The Chicago Tribune editorial about the freedom to marry bill explains why the bill's sponsor, Representative Greg Harris, decided not to call the bill for a vote on Friday. Without enough votes, Harris decided to wait until November and to allow his colleagues more time to talk to their communities about the issue. The ACLU of Illinois is a committed partner in the Illinois Unites for Marriage coalition, and to building up support for the freedom to marry for all Illinoisans.
Partners in a civil union have the same spousal rights, under state law, as married heterosexuals. But they don't qualify for many of the same federal benefits, tax exemptions and legal protections. That's unequal treatment.
