State Laws and Legislation

Illinois Marriage/Relationship Recognition Law

Licenses marriages for same-sex couples? No.

Honors marriages of same-sex couples from other jurisdictions? No.
Illinois law states: “A marriage between a man and a woman licensed, solemnized and registered as provided in this act is valid in this state. … The following marriages are prohibited: … a marriage between two individuals of the same sex. … A marriage between two individuals of the same sex is contrary to the public policy of this state.”

Any form of statewide relationship recognition for same-sex couples? Yes
In 2010, the state Legislature passed a civil unions bill, which confers all state-level spousal rights for parties in a civil unions. Both same-sex and opposite-sex couples may enter into a civil union. This law went into effect June 1, 2011.


Citations: ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/201; ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/212; ILL. COMP. STAT. 5/213.1.

Updated: Thu, July 07, 2011 - 12:00:56