On December 1st, 2010, the Illinois Senate approved the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, after the Illinois House's approval the previous day. Once the Governor signs that bill, the Civil Union Act will become the law of Illinois and the extensive and crucially important protections available by joining in a civil union will be available to all Illinois citizens.

Once the governor signs the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act into law, it will become effective on June 1, 2011.

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