Civil Unions Law Takes Effect Today

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jun 1, 2011 6:00PM

The Civil Unions law went into effect today. Janean Watkins, in green, and Lakeesha Harris arrived at the Cook County Office of Vital Records at midnight so that they could be the first to apply for and receive a civil union license. AP's M. Spencer Green was at the office to chronicle the historic occasion.

Watkins told the Tribune, "We wanted to be first. We wanted to make a statement. For us, for our kids. It really means something." Scenes like the ones unfolding at the County Building have been happening this morning across the state as Illinois becomes the sixth state in the union to allow civil unions, which grant same-sex and straight couples many of the rights afforded married couples.

Gov. Quinn and Mayor Emanuel will be on hand at Millennium Park 10 a.m. tomorrow morning when 30 couples will profess their love and officially seal their civil unions.