Illinois Civil Union Act

Right now the Illinois House of Representatives is considering civil union legislation called the Religious Freedom and Civil Union Act (HB1826). One way in which you can get involved is by sending a letter to your own legislator to let them know you support this important civil equality legislation.

By clicking the URL link below, you'll be taken to a webpage where you will be able to send a letter to your own legislator in support of bringing civil equality to ALL Illinoisans. Remember, this is not a partisan message that supports one party over another, but a request for you to contact your legislator on behalf of ALL Illinoisans.

Please let your legislator know you support this!

Tell me more

Talking Points

What legal protections are offered to gay and lesbian couples under HB1826?

Medical decision making
Right to control of disposition remains
Spousal coverage in pensions
Right to share a nursing home room
Spousal worker's compensation coverage for disabling or fatal injury
Right to sue for wrongful death

How is Illinois' faith community affected by this bill?

HB1826 specifically and emphatically protects religious institutions from being compelled to sanction a marriage they oppose as a matter of faith.
Section 102 states: "Nothing in this Act shall be construed to interfere or regulate religious practice of the many faiths in Illinois that the grant the status, sacrament and blessing of marriage under wholly separate religious rules, practices, or tradtions of such faiths. Additionally, nothing in this Act shall be construed to require any religious body, Indian Nation, Indian Tribe, Native Group, or officiant thereof to solumnize or officiate a civil union."

Subject:

Dear [ Representative ],

(Edit Letter Below)

The Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act (HB1826) establishes a basic framework for all Illinois families and protects their children.  The Act permits committed couples in Illinois, regardless of sexual orientation, an equal opportunity to the rights granted under state law - without forcing religious denominations to recognize or sanctify relationships they oppose.
 
This legislation guarantees many of the rights and responsibilities to persons in civil unions that are currently granted by state law to persons in civil marriages.  Among those rights are the ability to participate in healthcare visitation and decision making for one's partner, survivor benefits, and the right to make disposition decisions about one's deceased partner's remains.  It is important that this bill also affirms the right of religious institutions not to recognize such unions or to solemnize any such civil union.

Please vote in favor of HB1826, the Illinois Religious Freedom and Civil Union Act!  My family and I are depending on you!

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]

Take Action on this Issue

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Your State Senator (if you live in Illinois)

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