civil union

Hawaii and Delaware join the list of states which recognize same-sex civil unions. Illinois, New Jersey, and Rhode Island already recognize civil unions providing state-level spousal rights to same-sex couples. Six other states and Washington, D.C. allow same-sex marriage - creating a patchwork of U.S. legislation for same-sex couples who want to legalize their unions. Marriage licenses are given to same-sex couples in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York and D.C. California's struggle for marriage equality is stayed pending an appeal.

On January 31st, Illinois' Gov. Pat Quinn will sign a new piece of legislation that will allow same-sex couples to enter into civil unions. The new law will allow gay and lesbian couples to use civil unions as a way to gain several of the same rights as married couples, including sharing a nursing home room to being involved in important end-of-life decisions.

12/1/2010
Illinois House passes civil unions for gay and lesbian couples

A spokeswoman for Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. [pictured], said Monday, that Huntsman backs Equality Utah's Common Ground Initiative, a legislative effort that would provide some rights to gay and transgender Utahns. Even more, the Republican governor favors civil unions.