EQUAL MARRIAGE Senate SponsorsSen. Heather Steans-Emil Jones, III 1/12/2011SenateSession Sine Die New Act750 ILCS 5/201from Ch. 40, par. 201750 ILCS 5/209from Ch. 40, par. 209750 ILCS 5/212from Ch. 40, par. 212750 ILCS 5/213.1 rep.Creates the Equal Marriage Act. Makes legislative findings: same-sex couples are denied equal access to civil marriage benefits; the current marriage law is discriminatory and harms same-sex couples; and there is no compelling interest or rational basis to deny same-sex couples those benefits. Provides that the Act does not interfere with any religious beliefs about marriage. Provides that the Act's purpose is to provide eligible same-sex and opposite-sex couples with the same treatment as those in a civil marriage. Provides that parties to a marriage of the same sex are included in the terms "spouse", "immediate family", "dependent", and related matters. Provides that domestic relations, probate, and family law shall apply equally to parties to a marriage of the same sex. Provides that benefits apply equally to same-sex marriages in these areas: causes of actions related to spousal status, for wrongful death, emotional distress, and loss of consortium; adoption; family leave; group insurance for State and municipal employees; accident and health insurance protections tied to former spouses and dependents; and taxes and tax deductions based on marital status. Provides that a civil marriage is prohibited between siblings or between an uncle and a nephew or an aunt and a niece. Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Provides that nothing in the Act should be construed to interfere or regulate any religious practice concerning marriage and no religion is required to solemnize a marriage to which it objects. Provides that a marriage is between 2 persons (rather than, a man and a woman) licensed, solemnized, and registered under the Act. Effective immediately. 10/14/2009SenateFiled with Secretary by Sen. Heather Steans 10/14/2009SenateFirst Reading 10/14/2009SenateReferred to Assignments 10/30/2009SenateAdded as Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Emil Jones, III 2/24/2010SenateAssigned to Executive 3/5/2010SenateRule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As March 19, 2010 3/8/2010SenatePostponed - Executive 3/10/2010SenatePostponed - Executive 3/19/2010SenateRule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments 1/12/2011SenateSession Sine Die