By AP/St. Louis Public Radio
CHICAGO – Gov. Pat Quinn says he will wait until next year to sign civil union legislation giving gay couples many of the samelegal rights as heterosexual married people.
Quinn said Friday he expects to hold a bill-signing ceremony early in the new year. Illinois lawmakers passed the landmark legislation earlier this week during the fall veto session.
The governor has praised the new law calling it "historic." The law goes into effect in June, after Quinn signs the bill.
Quinn says the bill will attract conventions and businesses to the state because Illinois is showing itself to be a "welcoming, accepting, hospitable place."
Opponents have criticized the legislation because they say it's a move toward same-sex marriage.