 The law allows both same-sex and opposite-sex couples to form civil unions and provides state recognition of substantially similar legal relationships, including same-sex marriages and civil unions, entered into in other jurisdictions.In 1996, because Hawaii seemed poised to legalize same-sex marriage, the "Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act" was amended to prohibit marriage between two individuals of the same sex, and state that "marriage between 2 individuals of the same sex is contrary to the public policy of this State".This was repealed in 2014.