Document Type
Article
Abstract
This Comment analyzes the recent passage of Senate Bill 1716, the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, which extends the “same [state] legal obligations, responsibilities, protections, and benefits” to same- sex couples as are available to heterosexual couples. This Comment begins by discussing the background of legal recognition for same-sex unions. Next, this Comment discusses the challenges that same-sex partners and their children were confronted with due to the lack of legal recognition of their relationships and then delves into counter-arguments to such recognition. Moreover, this Comment argues that the legislature took the correct and honorable action in enacting the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act because it was proper to extended equality to “all persons,” as our constitution promises. Further, this Comment argues that the Civil Union Act will strengthen society by allowing same-sex couples and their children to take part in the benefits of a legally recognized union.
Publication Date
5-1-2011
Department
College of Law
Recommended Citation
Shannon R. Barnaby, Comment, The Times They Are a Changin’: Enactment of Historic Civil Union Act Is the Right Step for Illinois, 2 N. Ill. U. L. Rev. Online Supp. 1 (2011).
Original Citation
Shannon R. Barnaby, Comment, The Times They Are a Changin’: Enactment of Historic Civil Union Act Is the Right Step for Illinois, 2 N. Ill. U. L. Rev. Online Supp. 1 (2011).
