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If I am not mistaken, this does not fall within the purvue of a County Government. It is probably symbolic, at best.

It has very real ramifications, grimly enough. This is from an earlier email from CWA Illinois:

CWA Urges Cook County To Stop Homosexual Registry
Commissioners Attempt To Overturn State Law

June 23, 2003 For More Info:
For Immediate Release Kathy Valente 708-895-4570

On Tuesday, June 24, 2003, the Cook County Human Rights Committee is scheduled to vote on a resolution which would establish a registry for homosexual couples. Concerned Women for America of Illinois opposes this measure.

Same-sex marriage by another name?

“The only purpose that I can see is to incrementally create a new form of marriage in Cook County and then work to expand it to the entire state. It’s a step toward giving rights and benefits to couples who do not qualify for marriage,” said CWA of Illinois State Director Kathy Valente.

The Cook County Clerk’s office is ready to recognize homosexual couples by giving domestic partnership certificates for a $30 fee. That same $30 also buys a marriage license.

Illinois state law defines marriage as one man and one woman only. Could Cook County be taking a bold step toward defying state law? The sponsor of the resolution seems to think so.

"Something like this we think would help the state move forward on changing state law." (A quote from Commissioner Mike Quigley in a June 18, 2003 Sun Times article.)

“Marriage between one man and one woman has always been the bedrock of any healthy society. Commissioners may think they’re simply extending benefits, but what they’re really doing is dynamiting that foundation. And our children are most likely to feel the aftershock. I strongly urge a No vote,” said Mrs. Valente.

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Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.

Concerned Women for America of Illinois
P. O. Box 188 u Palos Heights, IL, 60463u Phone: 708-371-7810u Phone: 708-371-7896u www.cwfa.org

If I am not mistaken, this does not fall within the purvue of a County Government. It is probably symbolic, at best.

You are mistaken, at least in the case of Cook County. That is the authority you would go to to get a Marriage License.