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Illinois Senate Approves Civil Unions

By Angela Hatton

Springfield, IL – The Illinois Senate has approved civil unions, putting Illinois on the verge of granting official recognition to gay and lesbian couples. The measure passed 32-24 today, though Southern Illinois Senator Gary Forby voted against it. Governor Pat Quinn says he'll sign the measure, which would make Illinois the sixth state to grant the unions. They would give gay couples many of the same rights as marriage for instance, the power to make medical decisions for a seriously ill partner. Critics say this would amount to same-sex marriage under a different name. Some senators argued the Legislature shouldn't be discussing civil unions when Illinois faces a massive budget deficit that should get lawmakers' full attention.