Well, it's not exactly equality, as in right to marry, but it is certainly a step in the right direction. My partner of 22 years and I talked about this tonight and decided, should this bill pass, we will have a civil union...even if it makes the front page of our local newspaper! We own and operate a well established business in our community. We realize we could potentially, unfortunately lose customers, should this news come out. We feel confident; however, that the majority of the community already knows and could care less about our personal life--as it does not affect them.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill - Supporters of gay marriage say 2009 could be the year Illinois seriously considers establishing civil unions, but opponents say the pendulum of public support is swinging the other way.
A bill giving gay couples the right to form civil unions squeaked through a legislative committee Thursday. It would not legalize same-sex marriage, but it would give gay couples many of the legal benefits of marriage.
Rep. Deb Mell, who is gay, said 648 state laws -- on topics from inheritance to health care -- help married couples.
"I find it very strange that I can be elected to the General Assembly and vote on rules and laws, but these don't apply to me and my family," said Mell, D-Chicago. "We're not protected."
Click the link for the rest of the story from today's Chicago Tribune.
Posts
3 comments:
I wouldn't worry about losing business if you announce your civil union. I think you may be pleasantly surprise by the support you get.
You're probably right! I have never met anyone that did not like my partner, and he started his successful business right out of high school. Both his parents eventually left their jobs to work for him! He's won many awards and did his share of civic duty.
We raised a child together too.
Despite all that, we have kept our personal relationship very private all these years. So who knows? Guess we'll cross that bridge, when we get there!
We mostly just want to make sure our families don't interfere in our plans, should something happen to one of us. We need that legal protection...the tax benefits would be nice too...sigh!
I agree, John, it's a very smart move particularly so that you or your partner has full authority to handle life and death situations should they arise, heaven forbid. I would love to see same sex marriage made into law, but a civil union is the next best thing, and in my opinion, absolutely necessary.
Post a Comment