The Illinois Civil Union Bill
Status of HB1826 - The Religious Freedom and Civil Union Act

Representative Greg Harris’ HB1826, the civil union bill, is slowly but surely gaining support in the Illinois General Assembly even as this session’s deadline moves closer. Equality Illinois reports that they are within striking distance of having the votes to pass this historic and necessary bill. But passage depends on you.

Rep. Harris initially introduced HB1826 to the House Rules Committee in late February of this year. After passing from the House Rules, it was assigned to the House Human Services Committee, where on March 21st, the Bill was passed with a vote of 5-4, with 4 Democrats and 1 Republican voting in favor of Civil Unions. Since then, HB1826 has been in the Illinois House of Representatives where it is now up for consideration and approval by the full House.

Your state representative needs to hear from you, your family, and your friends. The voices of youth and adults with LGBT parents are an important part of building support within the House for this bill.

The Civil Union Bill provides recognition and some protections to same-sex couples in Illinois. COLAGE affirms that children and families are healthiest when they receive equal validation, respect and rights as other children and families.

What the Civil Union Bill Provides:

- Medical decision-making & hospital visitation for partners
- Right to control disposition of remains
- Inheritance rights
- Domestic violence protections

You have the power to make equality a reality in Illinois.

For full text of HB1826, click here

To read up on the actions and the status of the bill, please click here.

To continue to lend your voice to the chorus of support for this bill, take action with Equality Illinois!