With Quinn's signature Illinois becomes the twelfth U.S. state or district to grant legal recognition to same-sex relationships through either civil unions or marriage.
"It is great for Illinois and the advancement of true equality," state Rep. Deborah Mell (D-Chicago) told ChicagoPride.com. Mell made an emotional plea to her colleagues as the civil union bill was coming up for a vote.
"I am thrilled the the governor is signing this important bill into law," said Equality Illinois co-founder and long time gay rights advocate Rick Garcia. "This bill brings us one step closer to full Equality in Illinois."
The new law becomes effective June 1, 2011.
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