Hali Palombo

Sociology

December 02, 2010

Illinois passes Civil Unions Bill

This week, Governor Pat Quinn attempted to pass a bill to create civil unions for

homosexuals, and it passed. He promised it to his voters, so he wanted to fulfill his promise.

State Senator, and primary sponsor of the bill, Dave Kohler, stated that he had one gay daughter.

The fact that she didn’t have the same rights as her two straight siblings inspired Kohler, along

with the other homosexuals in our state that do not have the same rights as married couples. It is

also believed that this will give the economy a boost, and it won’t cost anything. Another fact

stated was that this will make Illinois appear more hospitable, and may be a more likely state to

hold conventions in.

While this isn’t technically considered marriage, it’s a step closer for homosexuals – civil

unions may not be recognized in the eyes of federal court, but it grants homosexuals many rights

of married couples. Illinois is now part of a handful of states that recognize civil unions. Civil

unions are also important because this may later spark the gay marriage debate for our state.

The fact that homosexuals not being able to marry is, while being the social norm in our

society, is a simplistic and limited point of view. The fact that we are taking steps to eradicate the

thought in people that gays marrying is somehow different than straights marrying is obviously a

good thing. While it is taking a rather long time, I feel like our country is just getting closer to
allowing homosexuals to have the same rights as married couples, and to recognize their union as

just as sacred as the union of a heterosexual couple.

This article is relevant from a sociological perspective because, as I said, we are taking

something that has been seen in our culture as taboo and slowly transforming it into something

socially acceptable. This has been done with many, many more topics and actions that would

have been considered taboo years ago. Additionally, this article relates to marriage, in that civil

unions are one step closer to homosexuals being able to marry. While the federal court does not

recognize it as a marriage, it does help homosexuals receive some of the same rights as

heterosexuals, and in all cases, that is a huge step forward.

______

"I think it's a proud day for the people of our state and the families of our state," Governor,
Pat Quinn said.
Governor Pat Quinn thanked Illinois lawmakers for passing a civil union bill, a promise he
made to voters on the campaign trail.
"It's an issue of trying to have equity for people who are in same sex relationships," Senator,
Dave Koehler said.
An issue near and dear to State Senator Dave Koehler, the senate sponsor of the bill.
"As a father of three, I have one gay daughter. She doesn't have the same rights as my other
two children. So now we corrected that."
Republican Senator Dale Risinger, like most of his conservative colleagues, voted against the
legislation.
"I just have a philosophical difference with Senator Koehler. I think this is not the right time
to be doing that."

The only Senate Republican to vote for civil unions in Illinois was Dan Rutherford.
"First of all, this is not gay marriage, in fact Illinois law specifically precludes gay marriage,
secondly this does not infringe upon religious organizations."
Rutherford says he believes civil unions between same sex couples and those who choose
not to wed are fundamental rights.
"Allows them the opportunity to enter into relationships where there would be a binding
situation in case there was a health issue, in case there was issues of death amongst the
couple."
But Risinger believes the decision will further cripple Illinois' ailing economy.
"The pension funds are in trouble now, we're trying to scrape together every dollar we can
and save and cut and so forth and yet we're gonna be adding to those rolls."
"Illinois already has an extra premium that is assessed on every employee that is for the
purpose of survivor benefits."
Koehler says it won't cost the state more money, and Governor Quinn adds that it will grow
the economy.
"I think the passage of this law will help us with our hospitality and welcoming the world,
people will pick our state to have conventions in."
The question of whether this will lead to a gay marriage debate is still disputed among state
lawmakers but those in favor of the bill say civil unions was the only goal and it has been
accomplished.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40466489