Illinois could be next state to legalize gay marriage

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Illinois could be next state to legalize gay marriage

By Joanne von Alroth
CHICAGO | Fri Dec 28, 2012 5:08pm EST

(Reuters) - Illinois could become the next U.S. state to legalize gay marriage with a bill set to be introduced in the state Senate in early January, even before a new legislature takes office with a super-majority of Democrats in both houses.

Buoyed by November election referendum victories for gay marriage in Maryland, Maine and Washington state, gay marriage supporters in Illinois said they plan to press for approval in the Democrat-majority legislature. If it passes, that would make Illinois the tenth state to approve same sex nuptials.

Approval in President Barack Obama's home state would be a symbolic victory for gay rights activists after the president endorsed same sex marriage in May.

Chicago state Senator Heather Steans will introduce a gay marriage proposal next week, said Rikeesha Phelon, spokeswoman for Illinois Senate President John Cullerton.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/28/us-usa-gaymarriage-illinois-idUSBRE8BR0K320121228

[Bjorn Against]

1. I think it is going to be legalized here in MN within the next few months as well

After defeating the anti-marriage amendment that was on the ballot in November, electing a Democratic legislature and having a Governor who has been a vocal supporter of marriage rights it is looking very likely that we will have marriage equality very soon. I don't know whether on not we will beat Illinois to it, but I am confident it will happen this spring.

[Creideiki]

2. And the two together would give Kennedy cover

Illinois would greatly increase the percentage of people covered under marriage equality who lose that status upon crossing a state border. Minnesota adds to the small-state push. That allows Kennedy to craft an argument that not only is marriage equality being more broadly expanded through both high-population and rural states. It also increases the pressure that interstate commerce is being affected by people not willing to move across state lines.

BTW--Colorado is also likely in the next year, although I doubt it would happen before May.

[dbackjon]

3. I have been waiting for this day

Illinois born and raised - although I live in Arizona, my family is still there - time to kick up the lobbying!!