State Senator Dave Koehler is proposing a bill that would legalize civil unions in Illinois, including partnerships of the same sex. Whether the bill passes remains to be seen. But one thing's for sure- it has sparked strong feelings from both sides.

"It's detrimental to the institution of marriage to support this sort of thing," said Lou Carr, from the Peoria Coalition for Concerned Citizens.

Carr says civil unions are immoral, whether it's a gay or heterosexual couple. Those who support the bill say it's a basic right. “It's really about getting benefits to the people that are deserving that are in committed relationships," Dave Weiman, from the Peoria ACLU Chapter, said.

Those benefits include allowing couples to participate in health-care decisions for their partner, making decisions when someone dies, and giving them legal backing to settle estates. "Why do you have to be married before you get the benefits of marriage?", Weiman said.

For people against the bill, it's about religion and the sanctity of marriage. "We view this bill as very much going against the teachings of Christianity, the teachings of God," Sandy Fritz, of Citizens for Community Values, said

Supporters say it's not a religious issue. They say it boils down to equal rights. But for now it will be up to Illinois State Senators to decide.

Online and Watch Video: http://centralillinoisproud.com/content/fulltext/?cid=6527.