Illinois lawmakers hope to approve gay marriage in January
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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Associated Press) -
Two Illinois lawmakers said Thursday they will seek legislative approval of gay marriage when the General Assembly reconvenes in three weeks, answering Gov. Pat Quinn's hope that he could sign same-sex marital rights into law as early as January.
Rep. Greg Harris and Sen. Heather Steans, both Chicago Democrats, declined to say the status of roll-call votes in each chamber during a conference call with reporters. But Steans said "we're in striking distance of being able to get it done."
Harris and Steans, who both played major roles in bringing civil unions for domestic partners to Illinois just 18 months ago, said support for gay marriage has been rapidly gaining speed. President Barack Obama spoke in favor of it earlier this year. Voters in four states either endorsed gay marriage or repudiated bans on it in the November election.
"It's very straightforward. We treat all couples with the same respect and dignity in the eyes of the law and we protect the rights of religious institutions to either consecrate or not consecrate marriages within their faith as they see fit," Harris said. "It's very important that government not involve itself in religion on either side of the issue."
If the General Assembly approves and Democrat Quinn signs it, it would take effect July 1, Harris said.
Nine states currently allow gay marriage. Harris and Steans said Illinois would recognize same-sex marriages in other states and those who have entered civil unions in Illinois could apply for a marriage license like anyone else.
The issue is not strictly a partisan one. Opponents to civil unions included some southern Illinois Democrats, while some suburban Republicans supported it. But Steans says constituents are more open about telling their legislators they believe a gay family member should be treated no differently than one who is straight.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
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Gov. Pat Quinn said Illinois lawmakers have a chance to make history on two fronts this month by approving a plan to fix the state's decades-old pension crisis and legalizing same-sex marriage.
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Friday, May 17 2013 7:51 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:51:51 GMT
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn must decide if he will sign a measure allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes after the state Senate approved legislation on Friday.
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President Barack Obama, seeking to regain his footing amid controversies hammering the White House, named a temporary chief for the scandal-marred Internal Revenue Service Thursday and pressed Congress to approve new...
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An Afghan official says a bomb hidden in a parked motorcycle has ripped through a crowded bazaar in a remote region of the southern Helmand province, killing at least three people and wounding seven.
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A man impersonating a police officer pulled over a northwest suburban student as she was drove to school Monday, searching her car before letting her leave, Pioneer Press is reporting.
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Emergency crews searched the broken remnants of Moore, Okla. for survivors of a tornado that flattened homes and demolished an elementary school. At least 24 people were killed, including at least nine children.
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Every time a tornado makes news, the local public cannot help but think about what happened in this area, back in 1967. A destructive storm system hit the southwest suburbs 46 years ago.
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