Warning: Trying to access array offset on false in /var/www/austintalks/wp-content/themes/austintalks/partials/content-single.php on line 48
Reps. La Shawn K. Ford (D-8th) and Camille Lilly (D-78th) and Sens. Don Harmon (D-39th) and Kimberly Lightford (D-4th) voted for SB 1716.
The bill would provide for the legal recognition of gay couples and gives them some of the same benefits automatically available to married couples, including the right to visit a sick partner in the hospital and make decisions about a loved one’s medical care. Unmarried heterosexual couples would receive some of the same benefits.
If signed into law by Gov. Quinn, the law will take effect June 1, 2011.
The House approved the measure Nov. 30, with 61 voting in favor, 52 voting against and 2 voting present. Lilly was an alternate co-sponsor. The Senate passed the bill Dec. 1, with 43 voting supporting it, 24 opposing it and 1 voting present. Both Harmon and Lightford were chief co-sponsors.
Sens. Harmon and Lightford also voted for SB 337, which would allow Chicago to open a land-based casino, launch four more riverboat casinos and add casino-styled games at horse-racing tracks. The other casinos would be located in the south suburbs, Lake County, Rockford and Danville.
The Senate approved the bill Dec. 1, with 31 voting in favor, 20 in opposition and 2 voting present.
Harmon and Lightford also supported SB 3973, which would ban the importing and producing caffeinated alcoholic beverages. The vote was 51-0.
austintalks.org@gmail.com