In June of 2011, the state of Illinois legalized civil unions for straight and LGBT couples alike. Now, little more than a month later, gay and lesbian rights activists with Equality Illinois have deemed the new law a resounding success.
The Chicago Tribune reports that, according to Equality Illinois, approximately 1,618 civil union licenses have been issued over the course of the last month alone. Under state law, couples who enter into civil unions now enjoy many of the rights inherent to traditional marriage – including the right to inherit property from a legal partner.
While the exact number of licenses issued is not yet official, Equality Illinois representatives contacted county clerks in order to make an informed estimate.
The group also told the Tribune that licenses were issued in 83 of the state’s 102 counties.
