Chicago Sun Times Editorial: Legalize civil unions here

Chicago Sun Times Editorial: Legalize civil unions here
Copyright by The Chicago Sun Times
May 8, 2009
http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/1564186,CST-EDT-edit08.article


The news around the country for gay Americans is all good -- human rights are on a roll.

Now it's time for Illinois to make news -- to get on the right side of history and fairness -- by legalizing civil unions here.

A bill pending in Springfield, sponsored by state Rep. Greg Harris of Chicago, would do just that, and we urge the General Assembly to waste no time enacting it. This is an unusually busy session for the Legislature, which is grappling with such difficult issues as political reform and tax increase, but that can't be allowed to delay further the granting of legal rights for gay couples in Illinois. Our only regret is that we would prefer the state go all the way and legalize gay marriage.

On Wednesday, Maine legalized gay marriage and the New Hampshire Legislature voted to do the same. If New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch does not veto the bill, New Hampshire will become the fifth New England state -- along with Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut -- to legalize gay marriage.

And last month, the Iowa Supreme Court, in a decision written by a Republican justice, voided a ban on same-sex marriages.

Harris first introduced a civil union bill for Illinois two years ago, and he thought it had a chance, but it was sidetracked by the buildup to the impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Since then, the acceptance of civil unions has grown more mainstream, and now Illinois would be joining a parade.

Harris' bill would give committed same-sex couples many of the same legal benefits of married couples. They would, among other rights, be able to visit their loved ones in the hospital, participate in making medical decisions, inherit property and be granted custody of children.

The bill specifically states that no religious institution or denomination could ever be forced to recognize these unions.

We're pushing love and commitment here, folks. Let's join the parade.