CHICAGO, IL – (December 1, 2010) Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) released the following statement today after the Illinois House and Senate passed civil unions legislation.

“This is a momentous day in Illinois and I commend the state House and Senate for taking a historic vote to pass civil unions legislation. With it, Illinois removes some of the most egregious barriers currently faced by gays and lesbians in our state, including the denial of hospital visiting rights to same-sex partners. This is a necessary and very important beginning.

“While today’s vote is a major step forward in eliminating discrimination, I look forward to the day when every couple enjoys full marriage rights.”