Illinois Gov. to Sign Civil Unions Bill

Illinois governor Pat Quinn Monday afternoon will sign into law a measure that legalizes same-sex civil unions.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the signing ceremony is scheduled for late afternoon at the Chicago Cultural Center.

"Within the first 48 hours of Quinn announcing he would sign the measure, more than 700 people RSVP'd to attend the event," reports the Tribune. "The governor's office expects such a large turnout that it has reserved an overflow room that will broadcast a live feed in case the main hall gets too crowded."

The law takes effect June 1. It applies to both same-sex and heterosexual couples.