CHICAGO – More than two dozen couples took part in civil union ceremonies in Chicago’s Millennium Park with Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Gov. Pat Quinn in attendance.
The Thursday ceremonies took place the day after civil union licenses were first made available in Illinois. Scores of same-sex partners across the state applied for licenses under a new Illinois law that recognizes them as couples for the first time.
City officials 30 couples were scheduled to participate in the civil union ceremonies. Cook County Circuit Chief Judge Timothy Evans officiated.
According to state law couples must wait until the day after they secure licenses to have a civil union ceremony.
Ceremonies included a string quartet and a performance by the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus.
Emanuel calls the ceremonies a “historic milestone.”
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