Coming soon: civil unions in Illinois?

The Illinois legislature may soon have to decide whether or not same-sex partners should be allowed to enter into civil unions in the state.

If Senate Bill 1716 makes it onto the agenda for the November legislative veto session, that question may be answered next year.

While LGBT advocacy organizations are hopeful about the proposed bill, politicians voiced concerns that other issues may take center stage this fall.

"I would like to do this as soon as possible," openly gay state Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, told TheTelegraph.com. "But every member of the General Assembly has two priorities on their mind right now: jobs and the economy, and the terrible state the budget is in."

Garcia told TheTelegraph.com that while the state is "nowhere near" full marriage equality for LGBT couples, the proposed bill would be able to offer same-sex partners some of the protections and benefits conveyed by traditional marriage.

Conservative activists are already reacting to SB 1716.

"It's counterfeit marriage by another name," David Smith, Executive Director of the Illinois Family Institute, told TheTelegraph.com. "It's a stepping stone to full same-sex marriage."

TheTelegraph.com reported that SB 1716 represents the first effort for LGBT rights in five years. Illinois lawmakers banned discrimination based on sexual orientation in 2005.