Gay marriage could be closer than ever
Updated: November 28, 2012
SPRINGFIELD -- Gay rights advocates say we're closer than ever to allowing same-sex marriage in Illinois. We could see a vote on it as early as next week.
Lawmakers for gay rights say they're going to bring it up and pass it as soon as they know they have enough votes. They say, right now, the conditions are just right.
That's because lame duck lawmakers are more likely to vote for controversial issues like gay rights. That's how civil unions passed two years ago.
Representative Kelly Cassidy (D) says she's confident it will get enough support. It's not a matter of if, but when, Illinois will allow same-sex marriage. Couples say they were thrilled to get civil unions last year, but are hoping to plan weddings next.
Not everyone agrees with legalizing same-sex marriage, though. There's also a constitutional amendment on the table stating only marriage between a man and woman is legal. Some lawmakers think that's a better way to handle the issue since all Illinois' voters would have a say.
Lawmakers say they're also hoping to ride the success of gay rights in other states. Voters in Maryland, Maine, Minnesota and Washington approved gay marriage earlier this month. It's the first time it's been on a ballot.
Six other states already recognize same-sex weddings. Those were passed by state lawmakers.
Lawmakers for gay rights say they're going to bring it up and pass it as soon as they know they have enough votes. They say, right now, the conditions are just right.
That's because lame duck lawmakers are more likely to vote for controversial issues like gay rights. That's how civil unions passed two years ago.
Representative Kelly Cassidy (D) says she's confident it will get enough support. It's not a matter of if, but when, Illinois will allow same-sex marriage. Couples say they were thrilled to get civil unions last year, but are hoping to plan weddings next.
Not everyone agrees with legalizing same-sex marriage, though. There's also a constitutional amendment on the table stating only marriage between a man and woman is legal. Some lawmakers think that's a better way to handle the issue since all Illinois' voters would have a say.
Lawmakers say they're also hoping to ride the success of gay rights in other states. Voters in Maryland, Maine, Minnesota and Washington approved gay marriage earlier this month. It's the first time it's been on a ballot.
Six other states already recognize same-sex weddings. Those were passed by state lawmakers.
