Illinois House and Senate Pass Civil Unions Bill
The Illinois State House passed the civil union bill on Nov. 30, and the State Senate passed the bill Dec. 1.
In a 32 to 24 vote, the Illinois State Senate passed legislation Wednesday that will allow civil unions between same-sex couples.
The legislation will allow same-sex couples some of the legal rights given to married couples. Illinois will also recognize civil unions performed in other states. To read the Chicago Tribune's coverage of the vote click here.
The House passed the legislation Tuesday in a 61 to 52 vote. Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to sign the bill after voicing his support for civil unions during the campaign.
Below is a tally of how Palos-area lawmakers voted:
| Name | District | Vote |
| Sen. Emil Jones (D) | 14th | Yes |
| Sen. Edward Maloney (D) | 18th | Yes |
| Rep. Monique Davis (D) | 27th | Yes |
| Rep. John O'Sullivan* (D) | 35th | No |
| Rep. Michael Carberry (D) | 36th | Yes |
*Rep. John O'Sullivan is filling the vacancy left by Kevin Joyce who resigned earlier this year. The 35th District will be represented by Bill Cunningham (D) who won November's election.
