Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Employment Law StrategistKickerFeaturesTopicsRegulationSectionsNewsLJN Newsletters

Illinois' Civil Union Act

By Belinda S. Morgan
December 14, 2011

The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act (the Civil Union Act or the Act) went into effect on June 1, 2011. The Civil Union Act permits both same-gender and different-gender couples to enter into Illinois civil unions. The Act also recognizes as Illinois civil unions same-gender marriages, civil unions, and other similar legal relationships entered into in other states. Illinois is now one of 22 jurisdictions in the United States that extend some form of state-level spousal rights to same-gender couples. Given that the Act has been in effect for over six months, this article provides a review of the Act's provisions and its impact on employers. If you have not yet reviewed your employee benefits plans to determine how they may be impacted the Act, if at all, now is the time to do so.

The Civil Union Act gives individuals entering into civil unions most of the same protections, obligations, responsibilities, and benefits afforded to different-gender spouses under Illinois law. Because these rights and protections extend to certain employee benefit plans and policies, Illinois employers need to understand how the Civil Union Act will affect their plans' operations.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment Image

On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.

Law Firms are Reducing Redundant Real Estate by Bringing Support Services Back to the Office Image

A trend analysis of the benefits and challenges of bringing back administrative, word processing and billing services to law offices.

Bit Parts Image

Summary Judgment Denied Defendant in Declaratory Action by Producer of To Kill a Mockingbird Broadway Play Seeking Amateur Theatrical Rights

The Bankruptcy Hotline Image

Recent cases of importance to your practice.

How AI Has Affected PR Image

When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.