News

Illinois Senate Votes to Back Gay Marriage

 

Author: Steven Yaccino
Publication: New York Times
Publication Date: February 14, 2013
With a Valentine’s Day vote, the Illinois Senate approved a bill on Thursday that would legalize same-sex marriage, inching the home state of President Obama closer to becoming the 10th in the nation, plus the District of Columbia, to allow gay couples the right to wed.
The legislation passed 34 to 21, a margin many considered almost impossible, even in the Democratic-controlled legislature, just a few years ago. The result was seen not just as a hard-fought victory for gay-rights advocates in Illinois, but also as part of a broader, rapid shift in public opinion on same-sex marriage across the country.
“It wasn’t too long ago that people did not think they would see this day,” said State Representative Greg Harris, who will be advocating for the bill in the House. “A lot of parents said they didn’t think their children would see this day.”
The vote comes two years after lawmakers passed civil-union legislation in Illinois. At the time, it was considered a major victory for supporters.
Advocates said that was never the end goal. Less than a month after Mr. Obama first voiced his support for gay marriage last spring, two dozen same-sex couples filed lawsuits in Illinois to push for full marriage rights.
While that legal action is still pending, Jim Bennett, director of the Midwest office of Lambda Legal, a civil-rights group for gay men and lesbians, said his organization has seen a significant change from Illinois lawmakers since even the November elections.
“The people we would have assumed were ‘no’ votes two months earlier now wanted to have a conversation and understand this issue more,” Mr. Bennett said. “Since then, it really feels like a snowball.”
Addressing concerns about protections for faith-based communities that oppose gay marriage, the bill that advanced Thursday would exempt churches from being forced to perform same-sex wedding ceremonies or host the receptions.
Opponents expressed concern that religious-backed institutions like schools, businesses and hospitals would not be covered under those same legal safeguards. “People have a right to live as they choose; they don’t have the right to redefine marriage for all of us.” said State Senator Kyle McCarter, a Republican.
It was unclear on Thursday when the Illinois House, where support is believed to be thinner, would take up the legislation. Gov. Pat Quinn, a Democrat, is expected to sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

Author: Steven Yaccino

Publication: New York Times

Publication Date: February 14, 2013

With a Valentine’s Day vote, the Illinois Senate approved a bill on Thursday that would legalize same-sex marriage, inching the home state of President Obama closer to becoming the 10th in the nation, plus the District of Columbia, to allow gay couples the right to wed.

The legislation passed 34 to 21, a margin many considered almost impossible, even in the Democratic-controlled legislature, just a few years ago. The result was seen not just as a hard-fought victory for gay-rights advocates in Illinois, but also as part of a broader, rapid shift in public opinion on same-sex marriage across the country.

“It wasn’t too long ago that people did not think they would see this day,” said State Representative Greg Harris, who will be advocating for the bill in the House. “A lot of parents said they didn’t think their children would see this day.”

The vote comes two years after lawmakers passed civil-union legislation in Illinois. At the time, it was considered a major victory for supporters.

Advocates said that was never the end goal. Less than a month after Mr. Obama first voiced his support for gay marriage last spring, two dozen same-sex couples filed lawsuits in Illinois to push for full marriage rights.

While that legal action is still pending, Jim Bennett, director of the Midwest office of Lambda Legal, a civil-rights group for gay men and lesbians, said his organization has seen a significant change from Illinois lawmakers since even the November elections.

“The people we would have assumed were ‘no’ votes two months earlier now wanted to have a conversation and understand this issue more,” Mr. Bennett said. “Since then, it really feels like a snowball.”

Addressing concerns about protections for faith-based communities that oppose gay marriage, the bill that advanced Thursday would exempt churches from being forced to perform same-sex wedding ceremonies or host the receptions.

Opponents expressed concern that religious-backed institutions like schools, businesses and hospitals would not be covered under those same legal safeguards. “People have a right to live as they choose; they don’t have the right to redefine marriage for all of us.” said State Senator Kyle McCarter, a Republican.

It was unclear on Thursday when the Illinois House, where support is believed to be thinner, would take up the legislation. Gov. Pat Quinn, a Democrat, is expected to sign the bill if it reaches his desk.