Partners and LGBT allies were welcomed to an inside look and discussion on Illinois' civil-unions law and its effect on the community.
Harris Bank Lakeview hosted an event where attorney Dan Logan discussed the bill by concentrating on issues such as estate planning, partner benefits and insurance matters. Logan said that even though Illinois is progressive regarding civil unions, the publicin particular, the LGBT communityshould know how it affects them, their partners and even individuals with children.
"Until we get national, full marriage equality, we really need to be aware of what's going on and how it affects us," said Logan.
Logan also addressed divorce. For instance, according to the civil-unions measure, if a same-sex couple were to divorce, then the partner who makes more money can be required to pay alimony. In addition, a partner can claim 50 percent of the assetswhich includes real estate, savings and 401K after the divorce as well. There are also certain pensions and alimony benefits for heterosexual couples as well under the civil-unions bill.
Branch Manager Nicole Porrez said she was proud to work with Lions Pride, Harris Bank's LGBT employee affinity organization, to organize the event as it fulfills Harris Bank's mission of acting as a financial institution that supports the LGBT community. "That's the point of [Harris Bank]: to have a presence in the community," she said. By Terrence Chappell