A New Lenox Couple Gets (Somewhat) Equal Protection

Today, Illinois took a step toward providing equal protection for same-sex couples. Civil unions became the law, and county clerk offices began issuing licenses to legal recognize couples with the same rights and protections that married couples enjoy.

We , about what it means for gay rights (though it's important to note that heterosexual couples may also enter into civil unions). The Joliet Herald News tracked down another couple in New Lenox and featured them in an article yesterday.

Mary Bernas and Hiliana Leon, of New Lenox, plan to exchange vows at a June 25 commitment ceremony at the John Hancock Observatory.

“This is one step closer to equality for gay people. It’s a step in the right direction,” Bernas, an teacher at Bremen High School in Midlothian, told the Herald-News.

"The state is acknowledging this type of couple is a legitimate couple. It’s wonderful for the youth of today to grow up in a state that recognizes that. It means people will talk about it as if it’s commonplace. It won’t be, ‘Hush-hush, let’s guess if someone is with someone’ anymore.”

Personally, I found it interesting that there weren't any comments on the article on Wednesday. Same-sex rights is typically a hot-button issue and something I'm particularly interested in covering because I blogged about LGBT life and higher education while I was in college.

But when you explain civil unions, compared to gay marriage, there doesn't seem to be as much backlash. About a week ago, I asked my Facebook readers if they knew anyone who would enter into a civil union.

"What is this?" asked one reader.

After we explained civil unions, the reaction was positive. "I think its wonderful and about time," another reader said.