Chico: Approve Civil Unions

By Chuck Sudo in News on Nov 29, 2010 2:30PM

In a move that surely won't endear him with the Catholic establishment, mayoral candidate Gery Chico said to a group of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered at Ann Sather's that he supports civil unions for same-sex couples and called upon the state legislature to pass the civil unions bill that is currently on the docket for the veto session.

In doing so, Chico also acknowledged that the mayor of Chicago has little recourse in recognizing civil unions for same-sex couples and wouldn't push for a measure in City Council if the measure in Springfield falls short of passage.

"I'm not much for drama and hollow actions," Chico said. "We don't want to mislead people and give them the false impression that they have protections if it may not hold up."

Chico, who has a history of advocating gay rights, said that, if elected, he would extend domestic-partner benefits to city contractors and work to implement mandatory LGBT diversity training for all members of the Chicago police and fire departments