Civil Unions

A Trend Toward State Recognition of Same-Sex Civil Unions

On July 2, 2011, Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee signed legislation that allows same-sex couples to form civil unions effective as of July 1, 2011. The law comes just days after New York passed legislation legalizing...more

Legal Alert: Illinois Civil Union Law Impacts Employers

The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act (Public Act 096-1513), which took effect June 1, 2011, provides civil union partners in Illinois all of the legal rights and obligations to which opposite-sex...more

Naming Guardians for Your Children / Illinois Civil Union Act

March 2011 Newsletter - Topics include Naming Guardians for Your Children and the new Illinois Civil Union Act....more

Becoming Civilized: Civil Unions in Illinois

Discussion of the new Illinois law establishing Civil Unions. While this new legal status is welcomed by many, there are many unanswered questions about how the law will be implemented and what it will mean for opposite or...more