DSeid
05-29-2009, 12:09 AM
A House Panel approves (http://www.galesburg.com/news/news_state/x726814875/House-panel-approves-civil-unions) but will it get to a vote and if it does will it pass? Would Obama be willing to make a call or two on its behalf?For the second time this year, an Illinois House committee has advanced a proposal that would legalize civil unions, including those for same-sex couples.
But it isn’t clear whether the measure has enough support to pass in the full House of Representatives before the General Assembly wraps up its spring session. Adjournment is scheduled for Sunday.
The bill’s sponsor, Democratic Rep. Greg Harris of Chicago, said he is still counting votes in the House to determine whether the bill can pass. Sixty votes would be needed for passage.
His legislation would recognize civil unions between same-sex or opposite-sex couples. If enacted into law, the measure would entitle each partner in a civil union to the same legal protections and obligations that are available to married people. They would include, for example, the ability to make decisions about medical care on a partner’s behalf.
But it isn’t clear whether the measure has enough support to pass in the full House of Representatives before the General Assembly wraps up its spring session. Adjournment is scheduled for Sunday.
The bill’s sponsor, Democratic Rep. Greg Harris of Chicago, said he is still counting votes in the House to determine whether the bill can pass. Sixty votes would be needed for passage.
His legislation would recognize civil unions between same-sex or opposite-sex couples. If enacted into law, the measure would entitle each partner in a civil union to the same legal protections and obligations that are available to married people. They would include, for example, the ability to make decisions about medical care on a partner’s behalf.