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Civil Union Debate Never Made it to House Floor
Though a controversial civil unions measure didn't make it to the House floor for debate this spring, proponents say it has high hopes for a fall vote. State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), who sponsors the measure, says with all the hoopla over the state budget, campaign finance reform, and other issues, he didn't think it would be the best time to call it. Plus, he says he's still not sure he has the votes.

To get the votes, Harris says he's encouraging residents from all over Illinois who support civil unions to go talk to their senators or representatives about why the issue is important to them.

Sometimes, lawmakers tend to "vote their district," meaning they'll vote how the majority of their constituents want them to. But in the case of civil unions, that's not the case for State Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Norris City), who promises to vote no on the measure.

"You have to vote your district but you also cannot take away what you firmly believe in personally," said Phelps, who represents the 118th district in Southern Illinois. "I would never do that. I think that's maybe why we have elections, but I would never give up my convictions on civil unions and gay marriage."

If called for a vote this fall, Harris would have to gather 71 votes to pass the House if he wants it to take effect immediately. But, if he wants to wait until July 2010 for it to take effect, he'll need only 60.

(Illinois Radio Network)
06 03 09 by Newsroom
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