By Associated Press
Springfield, IL – Illinois couples can now get licenses to form civil unions. The new law takes effect today, allowing gay, lesbian or heterosexual couples to form civil unions, considered a rough equivalent to marriage because they grant many of the rights that accompany traditional marriage. Those include the power to decide medical treatment for an ailing partner and the right to inherit a partner's property. Thousands of couples around the state are expected to get licenses, and some counties plan to open offices early to accommodate the crowds. Ceremonies, however, can't take place until tomorrow.