Respect Life Ministry - Diocese of Belleville at 2620 Lebanon Ave., Bldg #2, Belleville, IL 62221 US

Illinois Civil Union Legislation

10/20/09 Update: From the Catholic Conference of Illinois Website

The Catholic Conference of Illinois has released their latest publication Promoting Civil Unions to Undermine Marriage. We have published this document in an effort to educate Illinois policymakers as to the real motivation behind civil unions legislation. Using the political and legal experiences of other states, the words of the proponents of civil unions and the activities that have already taken place in Illinois, this document proves the real motivation of civil unions legislation is to advance the cause of same-sex marriage.

The document also succinctly describes the Catholic Church's teaching on marriage and explains why it would be dangerous for the state to undermine traditional marriage.

Please click here for a PDF version of the document.

5/27/09 Update below

5/22/09 We have learned that legislation legalizing "civil unions" could be called for a vote in the House next Tuesday and Wednesday. In fact, supporters of the measure insist it will be called for a vote.

As you know, this legislation claims to codify civil unions, but the definitions inside the bill make clear the effort is geared to same-sex marriage. Under the legislation, any party to a civil union would be considered a spouse under Illinois law and civil unions would enjoy all the protections and rights of marriage under law.

It is imperative that we get as many calls as possible into House members between now and next Wednesday. The message is simple: "Please vote no on Civil Unions. House Bill 2234 equates civil unions and marriage by conferring the same rights and benefits."

You can find talking points on the bill attached by clicking here or visiting the Catholic Conference of Illinois (CCI) web site: www.catholicconferenceofillinois.org. If you do not know who your House Representative is you can look him or her up at www.ilga.gov under Legislator Lookup, or you can call the CCI offices at 217-528-9200 or 312-368-1066.

***Please note the first sentence of the talking points: “We seek to avoid unjust discrimination; however, we oppose this civil unions legislation because it confers legal guarantees, equivalent in every respect, to those granted in marriage.” Reading carefully, this isn’t primarily about rights, but redefining marriage by redefining the meaning of spouse.***

5/27/09 Update

Zach Wichman, from the Catholic Conference of Illinois, reported that "despite some fancy parliamentary maneuvers the proponents of the civil union/same-sex marriage were unable to call the bill for a vote in the House because they lacked the votes." The significant lobby efforts and progress in the number of votes they did have, based on CCI's own roll call and conversations, called attention to "the need for us to become more organized, active and effective in our principled opposition."

Education on this subject will be important so that the beauty and life giving truth of our faith doesn't become hidden by misunderstandings or misrepresentation. Please return here for more information in the Fall. Also be sure to read the remarks/talking points linked above.

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	`May the Catholic Diocese of Belleville be a witness to human dignity in all stages and circumstances. May we protect and defend it against all assaults, and nurture and celebrate it through all transitions and milestones. May we be quick to recognize Jesus in the poor, the weak, the vulnerable, the lonely, and the person with whom we need to be reconciled. Because of the witness of our love for one another, may people be drawn to the love of the Father. Amen.`	*The Respect Life Ministry is a member agency of CCSIL, click below to learn more!*
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Respect Life Ministry - Diocese of Belleville at 2620 Lebanon Ave., Bldg #2, Belleville, IL 62221 US - Illinois Civil Union Legislation