More than 1,000 Chicago-area couples have applied for civil union licenses in June and July.

Illinois began issuing civil union licenses on June 1. Four additional states have legalized the union, including New Jersey, Hawaii, Delaware, and most recently, Rhode Island.

Demand has been highest in Cook County, which includes Chicago, the third largest city in the United States.

According to the Daily Herald, county clerks' offices in Cook County issued 1,098 civil union licenses and 6,884 marriage licenses between June 1 and July 31.

An additional 301 couples applied in surrounding counties DuPage (110), Kane (83), Lake (72) and McHenry (36). Officials added that not all couples seeking a civil union were gay or lesbian.

“The first day was very historic, but now it's just another license that is issued by our office,” said Cindy Pagano, the chief deputy clerk in Lake County.

While demonstrators in downtown Chicago protested the law on its opening day, suburban clerks said there had been no protests from groups or individuals opposed to gay unions.