Category Archives: Civil Unions
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Plaintiffs in Illinois Marriage Equality Case Wed After 51 Years Together!
Patrick Bova and Jim Darby, the plaintiffs in the Illinois marriage equality case, wed today after the law took effect across the state yesterday.
Bova and Darby have been together for 51 years!
Congrations Guys!
Gay Marriage Takes Full Effect Today in Illinois!
Even though it’s Sunday, many county offices are OPEN today for those who want to get their marriage license!
For today, June 1st, 2014, Marriage Equality is in full effect and legal in Illinois!
Gay and lesbian couples across Illinois can now legally wed as the state becomes the latest in the nation to allow same-sex marriage.
Sunday’s celebration is anticlimactic for some, because 16 counties began issuing marriage licenses following a February federal court ruling.
June 1 marks the first day all of Illinois’ 102 counties can issue the licenses to same-sex couples. It’s also the first day couples statewide who have civil unions can ask to convert those to a marriage.
There’s no official number on how many couples have wed so far under the law Gov. Pat Quinn signed in November. But Equality Illinois, a gay-rights advocacy group, estimates about 1,300 same-sex licenses have been issued.
Bernard Cherkasov is the group’s CEO. He calls Sunday “a history-making day in Illinois.”
Out of State Couples Coming to Illinois for Same Sex Marriages
SAME SEX MARRIAGE is Officially Legal in Illinois and many neighboring states are going to be running here to be married.
Why are they doing this? Even if their state will not recognize a marriage from another state, the Federal Government WILL.
No one is breaking any laws because same-sex marriage is legal here. The couple just need to know how their state will treat them when they get home, each state is different, but on a federal level, they are married.
“Based on number’s of last year same-sex couples doing civil unions, I would say my business has increased 50% from out-of-state same-sex couples. Also, keeping in mind everyone was waiting for Illinois marriage equality, this is year is going to be a huge rise in numbers” said Rev. Pamela who handles a lot of LGBT weddings and services in Arlington Heights at the Charming Pine Manor – or she can come to you.
There are lots of lawsuits all over the country right now involving states that currently do not recognize gay marriage. As of 3-15-2014:
Wisconsin has been challenged;
Tennessee is being ordered, temporarily, to recognize out-of-state gay marriages;
Kentucky is trying to get out of recognizing gay marriages;
Indiana is being challenged;
Michigan has not decided yet;
Ohio is still being challenged – unless you die!
Judges around the country are striking down same sex marriage bans!
Alderman James Cappleman to Get Legally Married in Washington State
Now that DOMA has been struck down and the Federal Government is recognizing LGBT marriage – why wait for Illinois to decide WTF they are going to do with marriage equality??
more than two decades! (Congratulations guys!) But after waiting anxiously for Illinois to
legalize marriage equality, and in light of the disappointing
stop-and-start progress of an equal marriage bill over the last year,
the couple is heading to Washington state to tie the knot.
Chicago Tribune has the story:
“We are going to go elsewhere,” said Ald. James Cappleman, 46th.
“It’s kind of sad that a Chicago alderman, an elected official, has to
leave his own state. But we’ll keep fighting. There’s a lot of people
who want to get married.”Cappleman and Richard Thale, who met in church, have been together
for 22 years. The plan to get married Nov. 22, surrounded by relatives
who live out West. The couple already have a civil union in Illinois.Cappleman said he first spilled the beans Tuesday night on CLTV’s
“Politics Tonight” show when asked what it was like to be an alderman
and gay. He later posted his plans on Facebook.
BEST GAY WEDDING in Chicago October 19th, 2013
This is going to be THE BEST GAY WEDDING in Chicago!
We met in July 4 1999 – and had a commitment
ceremony, exactly one year later, at the spot we met at.
Domestic Partnerships became available in Ilinois, we signed up!
joined 50 other couples on the steps of the Chicago History Museum, in a
mass Civil Union ceremony. One step closer
to marriage – but not quite there yet.
thing and passes the Marriage bill for our state. We would love to be
legally married on our 15th anniversary, July 4, 2014!
Minibar and MANY of our favorite local businesses have teamed together to do a $20,000 wedding package for 2 couples – and we are one of the couples! So we will be renewing our vows – for charity. This is the deal. NO GIFTS. We just ask that everyone make a $30 donation to Equality Illinois. HERE.
Get your tickets online now – or the day of, you can buy online – and there should be tickets at the door. But if you can buy online – that helps with headcount for food and such.
It’s going to be an
awesome event as minibar is transformed into a beautiful wedding space!
Rock the March: One Hour Concert Will Launch the October 22 March on Springfield for Marriage Equality
with a free one-hour concert live near the steps of the Illinois State
Capitol. The diverse entertainment bill includes reality TV stars from
“The Voice,” “American Idol,” and “America’s Got Talent;” a national
poetry slam winner; a world champion & MVP quarterback who is also a
pre-Grammy nominee; and a 2013 Trans 100 honoree fighting violence
against transgender people.
and faith,” said Tracy Baim, March Co-chair, “and Shakespeare wrote ‘If
music be the food of love, play on!’ We are marching to Springfield to
tell the people’s representatives that ‘love is love,’ and that our
families deserve the same marriage benefits granted to other loving
couples in Illinois. What better way to begin the March than by raising
our voices in song and poetry?”
performances by members of LGBT Choral groups including: Chicago Gay
Men’s Chorus, Windy City Performing Arts, Artemis Singers and Amasong.
Jammin for Justice EarthBeat Drummers will kick off the March.
Headlining performers will be:
* C.C. Carter – author, activist, teacher and performance poet
* De’Borah – singer, song-writer and star of “The Voice”
* Steve Grand – “All American Boy” singer, song-writer and YouTube sensation
* Sami Grisafe – all-star MVP quarterback and award-winning singer-songwriter
Marcus Terell & the Serenades – singer, performer and star
of “American Idol”, “America’s Got Talent”
& “Making The Band”
at the March on Springfield stage in front of the Illinois State
Capitol on 2nd Street. The marriage equality rally will immediately
follow the concert, with a march around the State Capitol starting at 2:30 pm.
Mariano’s Fresh Market will be Extending Insurance Benefits to LGBT Spouses
Marianos
(Grocery Store) is only in Chicago and is expanding rapidly with plans
to open 8 more Chicago area stores in the next year.
Options for LGBT Divorce : Center on Halsted August 13th
“Alternate Endings: Collaborative Options for Building Strong LGBTQ Families” will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 7:00 p.m. at Center on Halsted, located at 3656 N. Halsted St., Chicago, Ill. 60613.
Hosted
by Center on Halsted and the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, a
panel of experienced attorneys and collaborative law fellows – family
law professionals Eva Matela Kogut and Alan H. Boudreau, and estate
planning attorney, Lindsey Paige Markus – will discuss what civil
unions, marriage and divorce mean to LGBTQ families.
The
discussion will evaluate the Collaborative Divorce Model as a means of
providing options for a peaceful divorce without litigation. The
Collaborate Divorce Model is a team approach for prenuptial agreements,
separations, and divorce that helps a couple plan their family without
going to court and supports families while they make tough financial and
parenting decisions.
This
community event is free and open to the public. For more information,
please contact Jane Merrill, Advocacy and Community Engagement
Coordinator, at legal@centeronahlsted.org or 773-472-6469 ext. 412.
Marriage Equality March in Chicago and 50 States
DOMA and Proposition 8.
challenge the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
and California’s Proposition 8 – are fundamentally about whether LGBT
Americans can enjoy the same freedoms and opportunities as everyone
else.
presence and that of your friends and others will make a difference in
the continuing national struggle for equality for all. Join us as we
rally next to the Federal Court in Chicago’s Federal Plaza, corner of
Adams and Dearborn Streets, at 5:30 p.m. on March 25, 2013.
will be followed a candlelight march from Federal Plaza to Pioneer Plaza
(By the Tribune Tower). Please remember to bring a candle. Please
spread the word and add your friends to this invite. Tell the SCOTUS we
demand Marriage EquALLity Now!
Civil Rights Agenda (TCRA) and Gay Liberation Network (GLN) are
supporting organizations. Check FACEBOOK for additional details and
supporters.
Marriage Equality is Coming to Illinois!
WE NEED 30 SECONDS
Assembly are ready to move the legislation to a vote. Equality Illinois
is dedicating their efforts to leaving no stone unturned to achieving that
goal.
However, as you may have heard from reports today, our opposition is
gearing up as well, attempting to flood the lawmakers with their
negative messages.
We need to keep the momentum going and make sure the legislators hear from you! Can you take a moment and send an email to your legislator TODAY?
Please be sure to include why marriage equality matters to YOU and make
it personal. AND, don’t forget to share this on Facebook, Twitter and
with your friends and family!
We can’t pass this bill without your help. That is why in
the weeks leading up to lame duck session we will be keeping you
regularly updated and asking you to take regular action.
The time is now to act and make marriage a reality!
Just fill out your zip code! And you can automatically send out a message to your legislators! It’s so fast. PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD!
RAHM Pushes for Marriage Equality in Illinois
University Club in Molene Refuse to Host Lesbian Wedding
The historical University Club in Molene created a stir this week. When a Taylor Shumaker, a lesbian got a tour and inquired about renting the hall, the manager Kristen Stewart said she could rent to homosexuals.
In a phone interview with WQAD, Stewart says it is all true, and defended her right to refusal.
“I am a biblical Christian and I do not
believe in homosexual marriage, that’s correct. And because marriage is a
covenant that God created for man and woman, as a biblical Christian, I
cannot help them into or celebrate that sin,” said Stewart.
Stewart is the wife of the president of the University Club, and daughter-in-law of its owners.
According to Illinois laws, this is against to law to refuse homosexuals couples!
Kristen Stewarts husband, who is President of the University Club, says his wife mis-spoke, and they WILL rent to homosexuals! – Perhaps his lawyer said he’d better correct the issue….
Illinois Civil Unions – One Year Later
Separate and still not equal.
It is clear that a lot of heterosexual people do not want gay couples using the word “marriage” – but the reality is, marriage is marriage and comes with 100% full benefits. I do not care what your church believes. The government recognizes are “marriage” as coming with full benefits and rights.
Marriage is a unique legal status conferred by and recognized by
governments all over the world. It brings with it a host of reciprocal
obligations, rights and protections. It is also a cultural
institution. No other word has that power and no other status can
provide that protection.
Married couples have 1,138 federal rights and protections.
ALLEGEDLY, Civil Unions provide legal protection to couples at the state law
level, but omits federal protections, as well as the dignity, clarity,
security and power of the word “marriage”.
Civil unions give
couples the right to make funeral and end-of-life decisions, the right
to share a room in a nursing home, automatic hospital visitation,
adoption and parental rights, pension benefits, inheritance rights, the
right to decide how to dispose of a partner’s remains, and the right not
to testify against each other in court.
But a lot of the biggies are missing; like Social Security benefits upon death, disability or retirement of spouse, as well as benefits for minor children.
And how about Exemptions from penalties on IRA and pension rollovers? and Exemptions from estate taxes when a spouse dies ??
Nearly 5,000 couples have filed for Civil Union status in Illinois.
Civil unions grants SOME rights, but even then, many LGBT couples testify they are not treated with the same respect as a heterosexual married couple.
Equality Illinois did a study and survey that shows the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act did not provide
civil union couples with the same protections as civil marriage, as
promised one year ago.
Separate and Unequal—A Cicil Union is still Second Class Status.
Check out the informative study online.
Sponsored by
EQIL, creating change in Illinois!
BREAKING NEWS! Illinois Attorney General will Join The Fight for Gay Marriage
When a state’s
Attorney General intervenes in a lawsuit challenging the legality of
that state’s laws, the Attorney General usually sides with the defense.
Not so in the cases of the Darby v. Orr and Lazaro v. Orr, the two lawsuits filed last week in Illinois, which challenge the state’s civil unions law.
From MetroWeekly:
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D) will be joining Lambda
Legal and the ACLU in arguing that Illinois’s civil unions law does not
meet the state’s constitutional guarantees of equal
protection, raising the question of what the Cook County clerk of
courts — the named defendant — will do in its response to the
lawsuits.The move came just two days after Lambda Legal and the ACLU each filed lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the civil union law.
In a pair of June 1 filings in Darby v. Orr and Lazaro v. Orr, which were reviewed by Metro Weekly,
the attorney general’s office has requested to intervene in the cases
… In the requests, Madigan writes, “Petitioner respectfully requests
the right to intervene in this case to present the Court with arguments
that explain why the challenged statutory provisions do not satisfy the
guarantee of equality under the Illinois Constitution.”On June 25, the Attorney General’s Office will make the request to intervene in Darby, which was brought by Lambda Legal. On June 26, the office will make the intervention request in Lazaro, which was brought by the ACLU.
Civil Unions in Illinois and Estate Planning May 16
LAVELLE LAW LTD,
ATTORNEY HOLDS SEMINAR
ON ILLINOIS CIVIL UNION LAW
Robert Iverson, an attorney at Lavelle Law, Ltd. will give a seminar at the Center on Halsted entitled, “Civil Unions:
Important Estate Planning Considerations.”
The seminar will take place on Wednesday, May 16th from 6:30 -8:00 p.m. The Center on Halsted 3656 North Halsted.
The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act became effective on June
1, 2011. The law recognizes a new legal relationship that is in many ways similar to marriage,
but with certain limitations. Iverson will review the law and explain the rights and benefits of
Illinois citizens with Civil Union status. The seminar will include information about obtaining and
dissolving a Civil Union in Illinois, inheritance rights, the right to renounce a partner’s will,
factors involved with making important health decisions for an incapacitated partner, as well as
issues such as filing a joint state income tax return. “The new legislation is a big step for Illinois,
but it is important that partners fully understand what their union means legally,” said Iverson. “I
hope that, after the seminar, participants will have a clearer picture of the rights afforded by the
law, and how to best move forward with their legal relationship.”
Following the lecture, Iverson will make time for questions and an interactive discussion
about the law and its impact on those present.
Iverson focuses much of his practice at Lavelle Law on Estate and Tax Planning, Trust
and Estate Administration, Trust Controversy Litigation, and Contested Decedents’ Estates.
While attending John Marshall Law School, Iverson earned the CALI Excellence for the Future
Award in Taxation of Trusts and Estates and served as a Staff Editor of the Law Review.
Space is limited for the event, so pre-registration is required. To register for the event,
email legal@centeronhalsted.org with the event title in the subject line or call 773-472-6469 ext436.
(PHOTO ADH COMMITMENT CEREMONIES)
LGBT Wedding Expo Sunday March 25th
This is a very fun event – we went last year and you got lots of great ideas! Flowers, cakes, photography, caterers , cocktails and more!
4th Annual Gay & Lesbian Wedding Expo in Chicago!
Couples throughout Illinois are continuing to joyfully plan their civil union ceremonies
– JOIN US as we celebrate together!
The
4th Annual Same Love, Same Rights LGBT Wedding Expo will be hosted once
again by the beautiful Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, with a signature
view of the river and is scheduled for Sunday March 25th, 2012.
(easy access right off the Brown Line M. Mart exit!)
This year’s event promises more excitement than ever, with New
Planning Trends, Fresh Giveaways & Samples, and over 30 select
gay-friendly exhibitors to help create the ceremony of your dreams.
Event planners, officiants, ceremony & reception venues,musicians
and DJs, photographers, caterers, floral artists and more! Travel,
health, home and family-planning businesses will also be represented.
First 200 couples will receive a
keepsake fabric Swag Bag! Exciting Raffle Giveaways this year include
Sightseeing Tours courtesy of Anita Dee Yacht Charters!
This
event is free to attend; $5.00 donation per person is suggested, but we
do ask that you pre-register for free tickets. 25% will go directly to
Equality Illinois!
RESERVE NOW ONLINE!
Civil Unions Burdened with Complex Illinois State Income Tax Rules
By Linu Thomas
Civil Unions became effective on June 1, 2011 in Illinois through the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act.
Under this law, partners in a civil union must file a joint Illinois Income Tax returns as married couples beginning in January. Although, the Illinois Department of Revenue did not make it clear if they were going to accept joint returns when the law went into effect, it has now mandated them. Because partners in a same-sex civil union cannot file joint federal returns, they will have to take special steps this year to file their Illinois returns.
If you are an opposite-sex civil union and you and your partner are treated as spouses for federal income tax purposes, you have the option to file an Illinois state income tax return as married filing jointly or married filing separately just like any other married couple. This favorable filing status for federal purposes does not apply for same-sex civil unions. Because same-sex civil unions are not recognized under federal law, partners to a same-sex civil union are not permitted to file joint federal income tax returns or to claim tax breaks or protections that the federal government affords to married spouses.
For state purposes, Illinois allows same-sex civil unions to file a state income tax return either as married filing jointly or married filing separately, but the Illinois Department of Revenue does not make it easy for these couples to be compliant. In order to file either married filing jointly or married filing separately you must complete a “mock” federal return with the same filing status you picked for the state return. For example, if you and your same-sex partner choose to file a joint Illinois return, you must complete a federal “as-if-married-filing-jointly” return, for Illinois purposes only. Also, if you and your same-sex partner choose to file separate Illinois returns, you must complete federal “as-if-married filing separately” returns, for Illinois purposes only. It is very important that you do not send the “mock” federal return you prepared to the IRS. The “mock” returns will be used for Illinois purposes only. When completing your “mock” federal return please include all schedules and attachments, applying all the federal rules for the married filing status you choose. In addition, on the Illinois income tax return you must enter “as-if-married” federal information where Illinois requires federal information. The worst part of this process is that same-sex civil unions will not be allowed to properly file using electronic methods (E-File). Same-sex civil unions must file a paper return.
Special Situations
Special situations you may encounter while completing your federal “as-if-married” return for IL state income tax purposes only.
Earned Income Credit – You must compute your federal earned income credit using the income of both partners in order to properly calculate the correct amount for the state.
“As-if-Married-Filing-Separately” – If you choose this filing method for your “mock” federal return remember that you cannot claim an earned income credit or receive a federal deduction for student loan interest and higher education tuition.
Capital Losses – If you have a net capital loss this year or a net capital loss carryover to this year and offset it against your partner’s capital gain on a recomputed joint return, you may not carry your capital loss over to any other year, even if you file separately in that year or file a joint return with a different spouse.
Net-Operating Losses – If you have a federal net operating loss this year or a federal net operating loss carryback or carryover to this year and you use that loss to offset income of your partner on a recomputed joint return, you may not carry that loss to any other year, even if you file separately in that year or file a joint return with a different spouse.
Please refer to the Illinois Department of Revenue website for additional information on same-sex civil union tax filing procedures or call Provident Light Advisors at 866-256-9621 to schedule an appointment to discuss your return. Provident Light Advisors LLC provides accounting, tax, and consulting services. We are simple, honest, and affordable. Since we are a family owned business we treat our customers as members of our own family. No matter what the time of the day we are here to answer your accounting and tax questions. Provident Light Advisors is also a proud member of the Chicago Area Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
Linu Thomas, Partner
Provident Light Advisors LLC
22 W. Washington Street Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 957-5751
Freedom to Marry – this Sunday Feb. 12th 10:30 AM
10:30 AM, in front of Holy Name Cathedral,
735 N. State Street, Chicago
With the wins in California and Washington, some Springfield legislators say they will now make a serious push for equal marriage legislation this year in Illinois.
As they do so, we can expect that the usual suspects to loudly bray
about how “unfair” equal rights legislation is, and demonize LGBT people
in the process.
Chief among them will be Chicago’s Cardinal Francis George.
George is already on record comparing lesbians and gays to the KKK, and
repeatedly defended that insulting comparison before finally issuing
what many considered an inadequate apology. The “apology” implied that
he still thinks that many lesbians and gays are fascists, and he
justified his blasts against us by playing the victim card, saying he
was motivated by his alleged fear for “the liberty of the church.”
But he’s hardly a victim. George, as head of the
National Conference of Catholic Bishops, spent tens of thousands backing
the anti-gay referendums Proposition 8 in California and Question 1 in
Maine. After the passage of the civil unions bill in Illinois, George
pompously predicted, “I expect to die in bed, my successor will die in
prison and his successor will die a martyr in the public square.”
As marriage equality moves forward this year in Illinois, look for
Cardinal George to once again take his bigotry out from under wraps,
trying to lean on Illinois legislators to vote against equality.
As a cover for this bigotry, look for him to try to play the victim
role again, falsely stating that equal marriage legislation in Illinois
would somehow force the Catholic Church to celebrate marriages it
chooses not to.
Look for him to violate the church’s tax-exempt status by using its institutional power to advocate on legislation.
We can sit back and take it –
as Californians fatefully did with the Mormon Church before the passage
of Proposition 8 – or we can proactively push back against this bigotry
now.
Please come to Freedom to Marry Day 2012 at 10:30 AM this Sunday, Feb. 12 in front of Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State Street,
and stand with the majority of lay Catholics and others of good will
who support equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
people.
This protest was initiated by the Gay Liberation Network and is supported by the 8th Day Center for Justice, the Chicago Rainbow Sash Movement, Dignity/Chicago and Equality Illinois.
For more information, email LGBTliberation@aol.com
