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Help Ensure Fairness for EVERY Family in Illinois: Support HB 2234
Help our effort to extend basic fairness to all Illinois couples by supporting the creation and recognition of civil unions in Illinois! Contact your state representative and state senator today to support the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act (House Bill 2234). You can send a free fax to your state senator and state representative by going to action.aclu.org/ilcivilunion.
Randy W. of Springfield is a veteran of the U.S. Army. Despite his service to our nation, he is denied many of the benefits that others already enjoy only because he is gay. This reality became clear a few years ago when Randy's life partner Curt was admitted to a Springfield hospital with an illness that would take his life. Randy was denied the ability to spend the night in the hospital alongside Curt - a privilege commonly granted spouses - and was not notified by the hospital when Curt's condition took a turn for the worse. As a result, Randy nearly missed saying goodbye to his life partner as Curt took his final breaths.
Randy's story, tragically, is not unique. Lesbian and gay families – our neighbors, colleagues, family members and friends – in committed long-term relationships are denied hundreds of protections and responsibilities offered by the state. House Bill 2234 fixes this fundamental flaw in Illinois’ law and offers fairness to all families. Indeed, opposite sex couples, especially the elderly, who do not wish to marry also will benefit from the legislation.
Contact your state senator and state representative today to support HB 2234. You can send a free fax to them by going to action.aclu.org/ilcivilunion.
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