Lambda Legal Responds to Questions About Civil Unions, Posts FAQ

(Chicago, IL, December 14, 2010) - To provide information and clarification to same-sex couples who are considering entering into a civil union when the new law takes effect in June, or whose out-of-state marriages will be treated automatically as civil unions under Illinois law, Lambda Legal has posted an FAQ on its website.

"We're happy to provide some clarification for Illinois residents who are wondering how civil unions can help protect their families," said Camilla Taylor, Senior Staff Attorney at Lambda Legal's Midwest Regional Office in Chicago. "This is uncharted territory in Illinois, so it is likely that many families will have questions about what it all means."

Soon after the bill was passed by the state's General Assembly in late November, Lambda Legal's Help Desk was flooded with phone calls from Illinois residents wondering how the law could affect their health insurance, decision-making in medical situations, adoption rights and many other aspects of family life. Lambda Legal's FAQ provides information on these and other questions about civil unions.

The questions and answers can be viewed at Lambda Legals website at: http://www.lambdalegal.org/publications/factsheets/fs_illinois-civil-union-law.html

Governor Quinn has pledged to sign the civil union bill recently approved by the legislature and it is expected to go into effect on June 1, 2011.

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