Gay marriage act won't affect religion

For those confused about the Illinois Civil Union Bill (HB1826), nothing in this act shall interfere with or regulate the religious practices of any religious body. Any religious body, Indian Nation or Tribe of Native Group is free to choose whether or not to officiate civil unions. Two adults who wish to enter a civil union shall be subject to the same protections, requirements and conditions imposed on individuals who wish to become spouses by Chapter 750 of the Illinois Compiled Statute, provided that civil unions shall only be allowed between two persons who are at least 18 years of age.

No one can enter a civil union with a person if she or he is, with someone else, still in a marriage or civil union or in a substantially similar legal relationship created in another state. Civil union is prohibited between ancestor and descendant; two siblings; an uncle or a niece and nephew; an aunt and a niece and nephew; and first cousins.

And then there are Welcoming Congregations. A Welcoming Congregation offers spiritual support to gay, bisexual, lesbian and transgender people and their families. Since we are spiritual beings I encourage folks on the margins to look into that.

Look into a local PFLAG chapter, as if your GBLT family members expect equal (not special) rights, because we are.

Also, write your Illinois Representative and Senator and ask them to support HB1826.

Lois Strzyzewski

Prospect Heights