Bill Would Give Committed Gay Couples Same Rights As Married Couples

(CBS) SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Illinois is one step closer to civil unions for same sex couples now that a state House Committee has approved a bill that would allow them.

The Religious Freedom and Civil Union Act would let couples form civil unions with all the legal and civil rights of a marriage. It was approved 5-4 Wednesday by the House Human Services Committee.

The measure would grant the same rights and protections to committed gay couples as the law now gives married couples. Those include insurance coverage or caring for a partner's children. It is sponsored by Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago).

Opponents say the legislation is too similar to a gay marriage bill Harris abandoned. They say current legal procedures can grant gay couples rights like those in marriages get.

Civil unions are allowed in Connecticut, Vermont and recently New Jersey. California has a similar domestic-partner law. Massachusetts allows gay marriage.

Religious activists tried and failed to get a referendum asking for a state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage on the ballot last November. But in the same election, Wisconsin voters amended their state constitution to ban gay marriage and civil unions.

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