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Ill. Senate approves civil unions for gay couples

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn

The Associated Press is reporting that the Illinois Senate has approved civil unions for gay couples.  Governor Pat Quinn says he will sign the measure.

Here's more information from the AP (as of 2:10 p.m.):

"The measure passed 32-24 Wednesday.  It now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn, a strong supporter.

Civil unions 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."

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The bill is SB1716.
Online: http://www.ilga.gov