Recently, Equality Illinois, an advocacy group for the LGBT community, announced that a total of 1,618 civil union licenses were issued across Illinois during the first month of the new civil union law, reports The Huffington Post. Civil unions became law on June 1. Of the state’s 102 counties, couples applied for civil unions in 83 of them, or about 80 percent.
According to Equality Illinois, each of the state’s county clerks was contacted to determine the total number of licenses issued. Each clerk was also asked for feedback regarding the implementation of the law, and the group reports many clerks shared stories of excitement, particularly on the first day the licenses were offered. The organization also noted that the civil unions, domestic partnerships, or marriages obtained by gay couples in another state or jurisdiction before civil unions became law are now valid civil unions in Illinois, making the total number of couples in a civil union far greater than 1,618.
The group also notes that it is estimated that civil unions are responsible for over $48,000 in new state revenue, since most counties in the state charge $30 for a civil union license, which is the same fee for a marriage license.
Making the decision to enter into a civil union is a big decision, and you may not fully understand its implications as they have only recently been made law. The civil union lawyers in Chicago at Nottage and Ward can answer your questions about the law and help you understand the civil union process. To have one our attorneys help you, call 312-332-2915.
