Advocates push for gay marriage
Updated: December 11, 2012
Including our top leader, Governor Pat Quinn. He wants lawmakers to take up the issue next year.
"In some ways there's a peer pressure element and a lot of lawmakers here in Illinois are saying why can't we do what other states are already doing," said UIS Political Science Professor Jason Pierceson.
He's been researching the topic for years and says it's only a matter of time before it's legal.
"There's a model for this. A lot of states have passed something like civil unions first or domestic partnerships and then have upgraded to same sex marriage," he said.
So what are the chances of it happening in 2013? Pretty high according to Pierceson. He says lawmakers could vote on the bill in January; either during lameduck session, that's when civil unions were passed two years ago, or legislative session in the weeks to follow.
"I think the question is for Illinois lawmakers, will there be a downside to doing it now, or should they wait a little bit longer before they enact it. Either way, it will be within the next year or two," he said.
Whether or not that happens all boils down to votes. Parties have been divided on the issue in the past, but many seem to be shifting fears. And it's not just lawmakers, national polls show 53% of people support it.
On the flip side, critics say marriage should only be between a man and a woman. What the state decides, remains to be seen.
