Is Illinois the Next Big Thing?
The state that divides the East and the West is quickly becoming a symbol of progress.
Rodney and I both grew up in the state of Illinois, but never thought of it as progressive. Sure, it’s a blue state, but it’s nothing like the city of Chicago, the third largest city in the U.S. As soon as you leave the city limits, all you have is a very long, flat, and pretty boring state. Like other Midwestern states, it’s also fairly conservative.
But in the past week, Illinois has quietly put the wheels into motion for civil unions and legalized medical marijuana. Surprisingly there hasn’t been a lot of outcry from conservatives… at least not yet.
Starting with civil unions…
On March 5, the Illinois House passed a bill for civil unions by a vote of 5-4, which would give domestic partners access to 648 different state laws that only married couples currently get to enjoy. Now that the bill has passed, it will be moved to a full House vote on the floor.
The name of the bill is The Religious Freedom and Civil Union Act. I thought this was very clever because it seems to focus on the separation of church and state… a real slap in the face to conservatives who try to force their religious beliefs into state laws.
Medical marijuana…
On March 4, the Illinois House approved a measure for medical marijuana by a vote of 4-3. Just like the civil unions, this will also now be left to the full House vote before it can take effect.
If passed, people would be allowed to keep up to 7 dried cannabis plants and/or up to 2 ounces of usable marijuana in their home… only after receiving approval from a doctor, of course.
Breaking new ground…
If these pass, it could mean big things for the state of Illinois. Our country needs to loosen up and stop banning everything. These things are already legal in many foreign countries. But if a Midwest state located right in the middle of the country followed this trend, it could open doors all over the rest of the U.S.
We will see what happens. I think the civil unions may actually make it, but I have my doubts about the medical marijuana passing just yet.
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Shh. Don’t let anybody know.
Wow, I hadn’t heard any of this about Illinois, ha ha…It could have happened, and everyone could have had their rights and no one would have known about it, ha ha…okay, maybe not, but it’s funny it’s been “hush-hush.” I think Massachusetts recently legalized “la marijuana.” I’ll be excited to see what happens in the House.
Greetings from Spain,
Greg
Actually, we (Mass) decriminalized 1 oz or less of marijuana, medicinal or not. All you get is a $100 fine if you’re caught. And you’re not reported to the state’s Criminal History board anymore either, because now it’s considered a civil offense. I voted for it, simply because (like a lot of other people) I think the cops have a lot more dangerous criminals to go after than some Joe Shmoe carrying around a joint.
I hope both measures pass in Illinois.
Personally, I think the US should pass a law like France has about civil unions- without any mention of whether it is for hetero or homosexual couples. Because BOTH are actually taking advantage of it! There was an article in the Washington Post about it in February if you’re curious about how it works.
P.S. I love your blog Nathan!
(Sorry for the long message!)
Hmmm……something to help shift the tide from the Governor Blago fiasco?