Illinois House passes civil unions for gay and lesbian couples
Gays and lesbians scored a dramatic victory Tuesday when the Illinois House voted to legalize civil unions in a move that could eventually grant gay partners some of the same spousal rights as married heterosexual couples.
The historic vote capped a busy legislative day that included House approval of a pension package affecting future city cops and firefighters. That bill could blow a more than $500 million hole in the city budget by 2015 — legislation condemned by Mayor Daley.
