Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley continues to push for a domestic-partners registry for same-sex couples in Cook County, despite strong religious opposition during a hearing June 24. While viewed by many as mostly symbolic, government-sanctioned partner registries do provide one more piece of documentation for couples seeking equality in the eyes of the law. Whether used to assist in receiving partnership healthcare benefits, visits to a hospital, child custody, or during an emergency while traveling, the paperwork can assist in helping to verify a relationship that has little legal standing.
Quigley has 11 of the 17 County Commissioners signed on to co-sponsor the measure—with Quigley joined by County Board President John Stroger and County Board Finance Chairman John Daley as sponsors. Cook County Clerk David Orr’s office would be charged with administering the $30 ‘affidavit of domestic partnership.’
Sponsors: Mike Quigley 312-603-4210; President John Stroger 312-603-6396; John Daley 312-603-4400. Co-Sponsors: Forrest Claypool 312-603-6380; Earlean Collins 312-603-4566; Roberto Maldonado 312-603-6386; Joseph Mario Moreno 312-603-5443; Joan Murphy 312-603-4216; Deborah Sims 312-603-6381; Bobbie Steele 312-603-3019; Larry Suffredin 312-603-6383. Urge these Commissioners to vote yes: Jerry Butler 312-603-6391; Elizabeth Gorman 312-603-4215; Anthony Peraica 312-603-6384; Pete Silvestri 312-603-4393.