Same-sex marriage bill introduced in Illinois

[xchrom]

http://lgbtweekly.com/2012/02/08/same-sex-marriage-bill-introduced-in-illinois/


Greg Harris, an Illinois lawmaker who along with Deb Mell and Kelly Cassidy are together aiming to introduce same-sex marriage laws into the state of Illinois. | Photo Credit: The Windy City Times (www.windycitymediagroup.com)

A group of Illinois lawmakers are aiming to make the state LGBT-friendly after filing a bill Wednesday that would legalize same-sex marriage in the state.

Reps. Greg Harris, Deb Mell, and Kelly Cassidy – all of whom are openly gay – filed the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act which, if passed, would incorporate laws “applicable to marriage apply equally to marriages of same-sex and different-sex couples and their children,” the Windy City Times is reporting.

The bill also affords the promise of “the same benefits, protections, and responsibilities under law,” for LGBT couples and families in the state.

“We commend these leaders for taking yet another step towards full equality for lesbian and gay families in Illinois, and we are grateful to them for their leadership. This is just the beginning: the road to marriage equality is sure to be long, but it is one that we must travel together,” said LGBT organization Equality Illinois in a statement.

[racaulk]

1. 2012 is already shaping up to be a busy and crazy year for marriage equality!

Possible positives - Washington, California, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, and now Illinois

Possible negatives - Minnesota, North Carolina, and New Hampshire

If there weren't so much at stake for us, I would be much more excited to watch these stories unfold.

This is a great development for Illinois. Keeping my fingers crossed!

[xchrom]

2. i was raised -- 1/2 the time in peoria -- this is very surprising to me.

it's very exciting.

[Fearless]

4. I'm sure New Jersey will be a negative unfortunately..

The governor will veto the bill and they don't (so far) have the numbers needed to override. Maybe in the long term it will be good though... getting that asshat out of office perhaps!

[beyurslf]

3. Anyone know the prospects for this passing?