Bill-signing ceremonies don’t generally attract large crowds, but Monday’s historic signing of legislation that will allow same-sex couples to enter into civil unions is expected to bring more than 1,000 people to the Chicago Cultural Center. Last month, lawmakers approved SB1716, the “Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act.” The bill allows both gay and straight couples to enter into civil unions, giving them some of the same benefits automatically available to married couples, including the right to visit a sick partner in the hospital, disposition of a deceased loved one’s remains and the right to make decisions about a loved one’s medical care. Governor Pat Quinn will sign the bill into law Monday at 4 p.m., and more than 1,000 people are expected to show up at the ceremony.

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