The Illinois state senate passed the civil unions bill yesterday that had been adopted by the House on Tuesday. It now goes to Governor Pat Quinn, who is a strong supporter and likely will sign it this month. The governor has said he will sign it early in 2011. The law will take effect June 1.

Illinois will join six other states that offer civil union recognition systems: California, DC (which allows both marriage and civil unions), Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington.