Civil Union Licenses Go On Sale Next Week

By Chuck Sudo in News on May 24, 2011 6:00PM

The Civil Union law goes into effect June 1. In anticipation of what is certain to be a rush of same sex couples lining up at the Cook County Clerk's office trying to be the first to obtain the historic first license, they'll will go on sale 7:30 a.m. that day.

County Clerk David Orr said in a statement, "I'm thrilled this day has finally come. This will be a joyous day for all couples - gay and straight - who want to make history as part of the inaugural group of civil unions." Couples who apply for the license will have to wait a day before they can hold a ceremony. There's a giant ceremony planned for Millennium Park on June 2. Gov. Quinn, who signed the bill into law in January at the Cultural Center, is expected to attend.

Remember, the civil union law is intended not only for same-sex couples, but for straight couples who don't want to get married but do want to be afforded the protections and rights provided by the law. You can read the fact sheet on civil unions in Illinois here.