According to the County Clerk's Office, heterosexuals in Cook County who enter into civil unions say they are doing so in solidarity with the gay community. Cook County Clerk David Orr's office conducted a survey in which 26 percent of respondents stated that they got a civil union "for political or ideological reasons such as equality and inclusiveness."

The second most common reason, cited by 20 percent of respondents, was getting benefits.

"Some heterosexual couples are clearly making a statement when they are civilly united rather than married," Clerk David Orr said in a press release. "One respondent put it best when she said this decision was in solidarity with the gay community until they also have the option of getting married."

Eighty-seven heterosexual couples obtained civil unions between June 1 and September 19 of 2011. During that same time period, 1,383 gay couples entered into civil unions in Cook County.