Will County Begins Issuing Same-Sex Civil Union Licenses Today
Starting Wednesday, gay and lesbian couples will have access to many of the same legal rights that married heterosexual couples have.
Photos
Pdfs
Sarah Stumpf had her dream wedding in October 2010.
“We got married in October. We got married in a relatively small, private religious ceremony,” she said. “Our first wedding was perfect.”
On Friday, she'll get enter another union, not to renew the vows she already made, but to get the legal rights and protections that married couples enjoy. Stumpf and her wife, Diana Braunshausen, of Romeoville, will enter into a civil union this week as Sarah and Diana Stausen (a combination of their last names).
The Will County Clerk’s Office will begin issuing civil union licenses Wednesday, providing the legal rights and benefits that married couples have.
On Jan. 31, Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, which recognizes same-sex unions. With the new legislation, Illinois became the sixth state to allow civil unions. The law goes into effect today, and licenses are available for same-sex and heterosexual couples at least 18 years of age.
“Were going to the courthouse as soon as (a license) becomes available,” Stumpf said.
Equal protection
The couple said they already consider themselves married, as do all their family and friends. However, without the paperwork of a civil union, the state does not. Although a civil union is not marriage, it provides many of the same benefits, rights and obligations that come with tying the knot. That includes, among other things, hospital visitation rights, the ability to file joint tax returns and some workplace benefits.
A couple months after their October 2010 wedding, Stumpf had surgery for a brain tumor. Braunshausen was by her side through the whole ordeal.
“We were able to through power of attorney documents make most of that work,” Stumpf said. “Northwestern wrote 'married' on all of our forms.”
The problem is, without a civil union, powers of attorney can only go so far. If something had gone wrong, Braunshausen would have had no legal rights to sue. She said she's looking forward to having those protections.
“It’s nice because it won’t be up to the individual discretion of the doctor or the hospital,” she said.
'Step in the right direction'
The Rev. Sandy Costa, of Joliet, will be performing a civil union ceremony for the Stausens on Friday. She has been performing ceremonies for gay couples for some time, even though they have not been legally recognized unions. She, too, is excited about the change in Will County.
“It was absolutely necessary that Illinois catch up with the rest of the progressive states and start offering civil unions to gay couples, because it is the only logical and fair and reasonable thing to do,” Costa said. “They’re already forming unions they’re are already commitment ceremonies being performed all over the country.”
Such was the case for the Stausens.
“It was really important to us not to wait to have our (wedding),” Stumpf said. “If we wait for the rest of the world to catch up to gay marriage to where we are, we would be waiting forever.”
Costa is not alone in having performed ceremonies for gay couples who were in love but could not legally marry. And even though a civil union is still not recognized as a marriage—nor is it recognized outside of the county in which the license is granted—Romeoville Pastor Suzanne Anderson-Hurdle is thrilled about the legal change in Illinois.
Last year, she testified before the Illinois House of Representatives, urging legislators to pass a bill to make civil unions a reality.
“It’s a step in the right direction, but it’s not the end," Anderson-Hurdle said last week, calling the advent of civil unions in Illinois a good start toward granting marriage equality to gays and lesbians. “It’s America. We should all have the same rights, gay or straight.”
And the Stausens agree that this something to be excited about, but the fight for equality isn't over.
"This isn’t the end of this—we're really excited, but we're going to keep fighting for the word marriage and we're going to fight for federal benefits,” Stumpf said.
Getting a license
Licenses will be issued at the clerk’s office, 302 N. Chicago St. in Joliet, as well as its three branch offices in Bolingbrook, Crete and Plainfield. By law, couples must wait until the day after they obtain their license to have their civil union ceremony performed, so June 2 is the first day ceremonies may be held.
A license is valid for 60 days following the issue date. Ceremonies may be held at the Will County Courthouse, 14 W. Jefferson St. in Joliet.
Applicants must bring two proofs of age, with one being a copy of a birth certificate or a passport. An affidavit must also be signed stating that you’re not prohibited from entering into a civil union by the laws of where you live. Civil union licenses are only valid in the county in which they’re issued.
The fee for the license is $4 and must be paid in cash. Will County Deputy Clerk Judy Wiedmeyer said that amount was determined because it’s the charge for any non-marriage license, and that the state didn’t set a civil union license fee, though that could change.
In celebration of the first day of civil union ceremonies, the city of Chicago's Commission on Human Relations' Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues will host 30 civil union ceremonies at 10 a.m. in Millennium Park. Quinn is scheduled to attend, and Anderson-Hurdle said she will be one of several pastors there to bless couples' unions.
She will be one of several pastors offering a blessing and signing civil union certificates as couples are joined as part of “Unite with Pride: A Community Celebration.”
While the law allows couples to be joined in a civil ceremony, the June 3 event will allow couples to take part in a mass blessing, or, if they choose, an individual blessing.
“Some people really want God’s blessing on (their union),” she said. “That’s why they want us there … It’s not just about the rights—it’s about having their relationship recognized.”
For more information on civil unions, go to the Will County Clerk’s website or see the PDF attached to this article.
Editor's Note — New Lenox Patch Editor Michael Sewall also contributed to this article.
Lea Anne Stoughton
7:38 am on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Hooray! Congrats to Sarah and Diana, as well as all the other couples who will finally have their relationships recognized by the state. Though the path to equality is not over yet, this is a huge step for Illinois and I think it's a great time to celebrate. God bless you all!
Jacki McHale
8:51 am on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
I agree with Lea, Hooray is right! A huge step for the LGBT community, and again not over yet, but still a step towards equality! So happy for Sarah and Diana, LOVE the idea of combining the last names, wishing them and ALL couples equal rights someday. Happy Pride month!!
Michael C. Braunshausen
9:43 am on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
As Diana's older brother, I couldn't be prouder of their commitment to each other. I love them both very much, and I'm so happy for them that today is finally here! I only wish I lived in Illinois so that my partner of 12 years and I could get a civil union too!
Amber
3:17 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
It's about time!
Traci
3:24 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Congrats!
Pastor Suzanne Anderson-Hurdle
5:21 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
It's been a long fight but we are so glad that our elected leaders made this possible. Thank you, Rep. Greg Harris for championing this bill. Thank you, Governor Quinn, for signing it. Thank you to all those who worked to make it happen, including my friends at Equality Illinois.
To all our lgbt brothers and sisters, I pray this is just one more step to full equality for all of you - not just in Illinois but in the whole United States. Maybe someday what the pledge says will really be true, "with liberty and justice for all."
Renee Bogacz
6:02 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Illinois is taking steps im the right direction! Congrats!
Vincent Russell
6:59 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
This law is completely discriminatory against loving same-sex family members who want to enter a civil union.
I love my brother and my father as much or more than any homosexual or heterosexual couple does. They nor I are not married.
Why can't I enter in a civil union with either my dad or my brother? This is total discrimination.
Michele Houchens
9:02 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Vincent, I believe that since you are related to your dad or brother, than this is not necessary. If you are next of kin then you already given these rights.
Tricia T
5:51 pm on Thursday, June 2, 2011
wtf?
Michele Houchens
9:01 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Congrats to everyone who are now able to legally be joined together in a civil union! All we need is love!!!!
Carl
9:21 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Awesome! It is always great to see our society change for the better and be more accepting
Eunoia
6:31 am on Friday, June 3, 2011
"carl" like the way you dumb down Life......one big grey blob with no morals......One giant kumbayah
Haiku
7:40 am on Friday, June 3, 2011
Irrational fear
Of life's many shades of gray
Makes us judgmental
Carl
10:40 am on Friday, June 3, 2011
Eunoia,
My real name is Carl so placing it in quotes isn't necessary but do so if you wish. Lack of understanding or tolerance does not equate to "dumb down" the situation. Compassion and Tolerance are a part of morals. It's in many studies for sociological and psychological interpretations. But I respect your opinion.
Dawn Aulet
9:48 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Here, here, Carl
Jerry
11:59 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The Bible is very clear about God's design for marriage. One man - One woman! God provided Adam a suitable helper and that suitable helper was Eve ( a woman not a man)! I guess there are those that must interpret these passages to fit their own social ideals. It doesn't matter if society recognizes these "unions". What matters is if God recognizes them.
Genesis 2:24
But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribsi and closed up the place with flesh. Then the LORD God made a woman from the ribj he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
The man said,
“This is now bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,
for she was taken out of man.”
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
Matthew 19:5
Jesus quoting the above referenced scripture said to the Pharisees,
Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’b? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.”
Carl
12:25 am on Thursday, June 2, 2011
I am glad you're able to copy & paste YOUR bible passage as your standard. It doesn't apply to everyone, Jerry. Believe what you may but compassion and tolerance is a lesson that you dont need a book to educate you on. Lead your life on how you see fit and allow others to love others as how they do. It's lack of tolerance and compassion that had our society make poor decisions in the past with women and slavery while trying to carry around the same religious conviction. Using religion as a way to stop people from loving each other is truly a lame way for being ignorant toward others...Love knows no boundaries
Lea Anne Stoughton
6:45 am on Thursday, June 2, 2011
I believe that same-sex couples should be able to marry and that God blesses any loving, adult couple who commits themselves to one another. Marriage is so much more than what you do with your genitals, isn't it? It's love, support, companionship, emotional intimacy and fulfillment, laughing and crying together, romance, caring, comfort...I find these things with my husband in a way I don't with my best girlfriends, parents, siblings or children. It's not about sex (relationships based solely on sex are unhealthy). Sex is important but far from the center, a small part of a marriage. It's the love and commitment, and all that other stuff I mentioned, that makes a marriage.
Jerry
7:42 am on Thursday, June 2, 2011
Can more than one person have the same user name? I have been posting for several months under the name Jerry but I did not write the above posting!
Lori Janiec
9:21 am on Thursday, June 2, 2011
Apparently, yes. If you click on the name...it takes you to their profile. Yours is different from the original poster's profile. Patch should try to change this to avoid confusion.
Amber
9:44 am on Thursday, June 2, 2011
That is why it is being called a civil union...AND not everyone believes in your god!!!! It is just for some religious people to get off of their high horses!
Renee Bogacz
6:28 pm on Thursday, June 2, 2011
God may have a design, but marriage isn't always religious. People can get married in a court and not a church, which makes it a legal arrangement. People have a choice to make their marriage religious but not legal. If civil unions or gay marriages are not pleasing to God then I guess it will be up to God to deal with those who engaged in that behavior and those of us who support it.
Alicia Guzman-Riley
1:18 pm on Monday, July 11, 2011
Theology cannot be made into law, as separation of church and state applies both ways. We also the freedom to choose what religion we practice, so you're religious views don't apply to anyone else other than you. As for your Bible verse, it also says a few passages before that that eating shrimp is an abomination. Not to mention, man shouldn't sit/lay anywhere a woman has menstruated... can you say selective reading. The Bible was written in a different time within a different context. People should have the basic right to pick their sex partners and be free to enter any institution they want.
Dulcinea Hawksworth
2:49 am on Thursday, June 2, 2011
Jesus called:
He wants to remind you all that the bible says to "love one another".
Kudos to those of you who are actually doing it!
Peace, and Love and Civility to ALL!
Eunoia
8:51 am on Thursday, June 2, 2011
selective Bible quotes to fit your needs.......is not Reality..embrace all of the BIBLE
Lori Janiec
8:00 am on Thursday, June 2, 2011
Patience, Love, Tolerance.
Amber
9:50 am on Thursday, June 2, 2011
@ the Jerry that questioned the use of names....Yes people can have the same name on here. If you click on the name in an article you can see the other comments someone has left, so we can see you did not actually post the comment above yours. You can go under edit your profile and change your name to include last name, an initial or number so you appear different. I had to add my last name initial because someone with nothing better to do changed their name to mine and began posting stupid comments.
Jerry
3:12 pm on Thursday, June 2, 2011
Thanks Amber and Lori. I have never heard of a site like this allowing multiple users with the same user names. That could be dangerous especially for some of the bloggers that use their full names.
Lori Janiec
11:16 am on Thursday, June 2, 2011
I agree with @Amber K...not everyone has the same beliefs, which is why there have been so many wars over the centuries in the name of GOD.
Jerry
10:56 pm on Thursday, June 2, 2011
@ Carl.......And what Bible do you refer to, your own? What God? One that you've created according to your opinions?
Copy and paste is a wonderful tool and I am not embarrassed to admit that I use it. Was that supposed to be an insult? If so, that would be intolerant, no?
As far as teaching compassion and tolerance not needing a point of reference from a book (I'm guessing you're referring to the Bible) do you find the 10 commandments to be intolerant?
Carl
1:48 am on Friday, June 3, 2011
A person just as yourself can present an opinion without basing it on religious terms. I don't speak or reference any religion or god. There was no insult made. It was my opinion as you had your own. You could take my opinion and consider it intolerant or an opinion just like yours. I only reference Compassion and Tolerence as the basic fundamentals for Humanity. By not needing a book, I'm not referencing the bible nor the commandments as being intolerant. I merely point to the same fact many people on this thread relate to. No book or religion needs to dictate human compassion or tolerance. Basic humanity for these two principles start from within the person themselves. I respect your opinion just simply disagree with it as others may.
Nick Beam
11:28 am on Friday, June 3, 2011
Jerry-
Separation of church and state. Many people do not read or care what the Bible contains.
If you want to spread our religion stop jamming it don people's throats.
Unless your motto is "Live like Jesus. Judge and yell at everyone!!!"
Jerry
9:24 am on Friday, June 3, 2011
Carl,
I was referring to the phrase "YOUR" in your response to me when talking about what bible I refer to. Why the caps if you were simply stating your opinion? When I asked you about what bible and what god you refer to, I was curious to know what intellectual process you employ when giving your opinion. If it is strictly based on your emotion of who God should be and that His characteristics are merely subject to an individuals opinion then say so.
I believe the Holy Bible to be the inerrant word of God my Creator and that God is perfect and Holy. I believe by faith and I believe human history strongly supports that.
If compassion and tolerance are innate in each person then why do parents spend so much time in a child's development years teaching them to share, to not tell a lie, not to take something that doesn't belong to them? Simply because it's our nature to do those things. Jesus modeled compassion for hurting people but Jesus very clearly was not tolerant of all behaviors, i.e the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Herodians.
I do not believe that homosexuals or drug abusers are condemned to hell any more than myself. It is my sin that has separated me from my God, my Father, and Creator. The sin that is innate within me is what condemns me. My only hope for eternal life is found in Jesus Christ's sacrificial death as payment for my sin.
Carl
10:35 am on Friday, June 3, 2011
The use of caps was an attempt to place emphasis on the word to have you understand that it was not everyone's bible. I know texting can open the door to misinterpretations. The issue revolves around the fact that I don't employ my opinion from any religious background which many automatically assume religion is in every moral situation. You are translating this situation through a "religious eye" and I am basing it only on basic phsysilogical fundamentals as a part of human nature. This is why we speak of topics from sociological and psychological perspectives without religion. It's not a "dumb down" perspective as Eunoia (above) comments. The sociological and psychological perspectives can deeply explain to you why we teach morality in the classroom. It isn't always based on religious reasons of "cause god said so." Since you and some others only look through the religious eye, you only interpret what your religious values tell you. I am merely pointing out without any disrespect to any religion that religion is not required to be a Compassionate & Tolerant human being. I also never said we need to be tolerant to all behaviors. I was only speaking to this situation where other human beings are attempting to express their love for one another. If you'd step away from the religious perspective for a moment, you'd understand where I'm coming from. But that's a challenge for many since religion plays a heavy moral role in society.
Eunoia
1:20 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
@ NICK @ Actually there is NO SUCH PHRASE in any of the Founding Fathers words as " separation of Church and state" what does exist is ......
The phrase "separation of church and state" (sometimes "wall of separation between church and state"), attributed to Thomas Jefferson and others, and since quoted by the Supreme Court of the United States, expresses an understanding of the intent and function of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The First Amendment reads "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof ....", while Article VI specifies that "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."
The modern concept of a wholly secular government is sometimes credited to the writings of English philosopher John Locke, but the phrase "separation of church and state" in this context is generally traced to an 1 January 1802 letter by Thomas Jefferson, addressed to the Danbury, Connecticut, Baptist Association.
And as we ALL KNow..... the Creators of The Constitution.....also used the Phrase IN GOD WE TRUST on our currency and in other ways Mentions a Belief in GOD
Haiku
2:35 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
He can't "step away"
From religious perspective
Lest god punish him
Nick Beam
10:13 am on Saturday, June 4, 2011
Eunoia-
Actually according to treasury.gov "in God we trust" wasn't added until 1864 on our coins and not on our paper currency until 1957. Obviously way after the creation of the Constitution...
Plain and simple the founding fathers established a country with freedom of and from religion... Stop jamming your religion the throat of others...
Patrick Worrall
4:47 pm on Monday, July 11, 2011
As for the founders, yes many believed in god. And several, including Jefferson were Deists.
Haiku
2:38 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
And Nick's last comment
Made reference to a concept
Not verbatim quotes
Jerry
3:33 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
Eunoia, very well stated as to the true meaning of separation of church and state.
As far as Haiku's statement about my being unable to "step away" from religious perspective, one could argue that to deny God's involvement in physiological and social issues is a religion in itself. The truth is I don't want to "step away" from what I believe to be God's Holy Word. I think I made that pretty clear in my last reply to Carl. So instead of just throwing around personal attacks why don't use some intellect and state what you believe and why you believe it.
@ Carl, I am taking a cheap shot at you on this one but I can't ignore the humor. After you comment regarding my use of "copy and paste" application perhaps you should try "spell check"! What in the dickens is "phsysilogical"? And perhaps if the public schools would get back to to teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic our literacy rate in this country would improve as opposed to declining over the last 30 years and our graduation rate would improve as well.
Haiku
4:20 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
Personal attacks?!?!
Think, instead of reacting
Then you'll see my point
Haiku
4:28 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
Most schmucks can ramble
Can you "use some intellect"
And respond in kind?
Carl
3:49 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
LOL...it is spelled psychological, Jerry but obviously you have no room for typos on this thread. I truly find your cheap shots humorous. Attempting to mix religion with sociology and psychology is the issue even if you can't "step away"...they are their own concepts within itself. So Haiku still makes a factual point even if you chose to perceive it as stepping away from your god which is not the idea behind that statement.
Carl
3:53 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
I'll also leave it at that. I don't have time to continue conversations with people who will make insults and not hold an adult conversation even if we disagree. I respect your opinion, Jerry. You have a right to it. I am merely seeing it from a different perspective which you clearly misunderstand and it's falling on "deaf ears."
Jerry
3:57 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
Carl, I will acknowledge your reply as "the last word" on this strand. I have enjoyed the dialog and respect your defense of your convictions. Look forward to more in the future!
Haiku
4:21 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
Why do some people
Seem to relish the notion
They've been offended?
Eunoia
10:26 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
hot dog
personally I relish the thought
that some people will catch_up
Haiku
11:48 am on Saturday, June 4, 2011
You must have trouble
Counting up to seventeen
While your shoes are on
;)
Eunoia
2:37 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2011
ITS JUST A PUNY
ATTEMPT @
EXISTENTIAL
HAIKU ^_^
Haiku
3:36 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2011
I hope you're happy
I'm trying to eat better
Now I want hot dogs
Eunoia
3:46 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2011
spam A lot of people eat
not just hot dogs -
try this one on for size
Exciting foodstuff
It draws the lightning to it
A flash in the SPAM
Dulcinea Hawksworth
5:29 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2011
Jesus loves me this
I Know. For the bible tells
Me, so I Believe.
Dulcinea Hawksworth
6:03 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2011
... In related News:
Jesus Called,
He said "I Love You All!"
::The following music may have been heard in the background::
http://youtu.be/-gh778wdw5E
Haiku
6:13 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2011
A little clumsy
At least you gave it a shot
Thank you for playing!
Haiku
6:19 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2011
And I checked your link
Can you give us some background
On PeaceQueer.com?
Jim Lausier
1:27 am on Sunday, June 5, 2011
Hmmm... Perhaps a clip from The West Wing is what's needed here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHaVUjjH3EI
Carl
11:16 am on Sunday, June 5, 2011
Great clip, Jim! Thanks for sharing :-)
Shannon Antinori
4:54 pm on Sunday, June 5, 2011
I never watched "The West Wing." Looks like I missed out! Thanks for the great clip, Jim.
Jerry
9:45 pm on Sunday, June 5, 2011
Wonder why he didn't quote Romans 1:18-28. Must not have memorized those verses. But then again what can one expect from NBC?
deangelo
7:07 pm on Wednesday, June 15, 2011
GOD should not be involved in this ABOMINATION
Pastor Suzanne Anderson-Hurdle
2:47 pm on Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Before today, Ive stayed out of posting but I have been reading this thread. Now, I want to say a few things. First, unlike Jerry (the one who posted Scripture), I believe the Bible is the inspired (not inerrant) Word of God, written by human hands. Second, I wonder what you think, Jerry, about the many men in the OT who cheated on their wives. Is this your Biblical model of marriage? Third, Jerry, do you keep ALL the laws of God. Fourth, it seems to me, through my studies of Scripture, that the Bible is a story of God's love for His people. The Old Testament is God showing His love, despite the Israelites turning away from Him. God finally realizes that the only way to get them back is for Him to become like us, Emmanuel, God with us; to bear our burdens and our sorrow; to be bruised and beaten for our sins; to carry our cross of shame so we don't have to. The essence of the NT continues the story of God's love for His people, however, the emphasis is less on the keeping of the Law to save us and instead, the realization that only by faith, through God's grace, can we be saved.
For those of you who aren't believers please know that many of us who are believers DO NOT look down on you or bear ill will toward you or anything else. If we are true believers, we will do what Jesus commanded; "Love the Lord...and love your neighbor as yourself." Perhaps therein lies the problem for many believers...do they really love themselves?
my conscience
7:40 pm on Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Pastor SA=H nice explanation, except for BOM omission.