CIVIL UNIONS Senate SponsorsSen. David Koehler-Heather Steans-Iris Y. Martinez 1/13/2009SenateSession Sine Die New ActCreates the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act. Contains provisions regarding the purpose of the Act, religious freedom, and construction of the Act. Provides that 2 adults who enter a civil union, if they are at least 18 years of age, are entitled to all of the same legal obligations, responsibilities, protections, and benefits that are afforded to spouses. Prohibits a civil union between: an ancestor and descendant; 2 siblings; an uncle and a niece or nephew; an aunt and a niece or nephew; and first cousins. Prohibits a person from entering a civil union with a person who is in a marriage or civil union or a similar legal relationship created in another state. Provides that the Director of Public Health shall prescribe forms and documents for entering into a civil union. Provides for dissolution of a civil union under existing laws. Provides that a marriage between persons of the same sex, a civil union, or similar legal relationship, other than common law marriage, legally entered into in another state will be recognized in Illinois as a civil union. Provides for severability. 2/15/2008SenateFiled with Secretary by Sen. David Koehler 2/15/2008SenateFirst Reading 2/15/2008SenateReferred to Rules 2/27/2008SenateAssigned to Judiciary Civil Law 2/27/2008SenateAdded as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Heather Steans 2/27/2008SenateAdded as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Iris Y. Martinez 3/6/2008SenateHeld in Judiciary Civil Law 3/13/2008SenateHeld in Judiciary Civil Law 3/14/2008SenateRule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Rules 1/13/2009SenateSession Sine Die