CHICAGO – The Cook County Clerk’s office says straight couples who have gotten civil unions cite “solidarity with the gay community” as the main reason for choosing unions over marriage.
The clerk’s office says 26 percent of 46 people surveyed cited reasons such as equality or inclusiveness in answering why they got civil unions instead of getting married.
Twenty percent of respondents cited getting benefits as their main reason.
Clerk David Orr says some heterosexual couples “are clearly making a statement” with their civil unions.
Illinois began allowing civil unions on June 1.
In the first six months, the Cook County clerk’s office says it has issued more than 1,850 licenses, including 138 to opposite-sex couples.
More than 3,700 licenses have been issued statewide.
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