Same-sex marriage bill heads to Illinois state Senate floor

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Same-sex marriage bill heads to Illinois state Senate floor

By Joanne von Alroth

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois | Thu Jan 3, 2013 11:49pm EST

(Reuters) - A panel of Illinois lawmakers voted on Thursday to send legislation legalizing gay marriage in President Barack Obama's home state to the floor of the state Senate, setting up a possible vote on the issue next week.

The 8-5 vote by the Senate Executive Committee fell along party lines, with the panel's Democratic majority supporting the measure and its Republican minority opposing it.

Although the Democratic-controlled Senate adjourned late on Thursday, lawmakers said the bill likely would be called on Tuesday when the Senate returns for a special session.

The Democratic-led state House of Representatives may take up the legislation next week as well. If the bill is approved by the Legislature and signed by Democratic Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois would become the 10th state along with the District of Columbia to legalize same sex-nuptials and the first Midwest state to do so through legislation.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/04/us-usa-gaymarriage-illinois-idUSBRE90305A20130104

[samsingh]

1. pass it.

sign it into law

[Bjornsdotter]

2. Called my reps

Called my reps, left a message on voice mail with one, spoke with someone in the office on the other.

According to his office Jack Franks is out of the country and hasn't made a decision yet. I'll follow up both calls with a letter.

[LostinRed]

3. Love to see this pass

Love IL

[Aerows]

4. One more state

gets us closer to all 50. I live in the South, and it will never happen here until the majority of those in the more blue areas do it.

That said, I am here in red country and will do anything to help it gain traction here, too.