From the Chicago Sun-Times:Illinois’ new law allowing civil unions took effect Wednesday, and gay and lesbian couples began lining up hours before county clerk’s offices opened so they could be among the first to get a civil union license.
More than 75 couples were in line by the time the doors opened early at 7:30 a.m. at the Cook County Building in downtown Chicago, where the vital records office will stay open until 7 p.m. to accommodate couples. Officials said they expect to issue about 2,000 licenses the first day.
The first couple in line, Lakeesha Harris and Janean Watkins, look really happy.
Illinois now is among six states that allow same-sex couples benefits similar to those granted married couples.
Many couples in line to obtain a license Wednesday said they look forward to Illinois one day joining five other states and Washington, D.C., in allowing same-sex marriage, as well.
Same-sex marriage is on the way. Unfortunately, it may be a while before gay and lesbian couples throughout the country will be able to marry, but the movement is forward. And it seems that the federal government may eventually have to step in to end the confusion about how the rules apply in states with different laws.
From CBCNews:
Anglican parishes in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island now have permission to bless same-sex marriages, but they still can't perform the ceremony for gays and lesbians.
The decision was made over the weekend at the 143rd Synod of the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
A blessing can only be given to couples who are legally married. It's up to each priest and parish to decide whether to give it.
The Archbishop of Canterbury will not be pleased.
As I see it, the churches should confine themselves to blessing couples who are already married and cease being agents of the state by getting out of the marriage business altogether.
