Fight for marriage equality continues

SPRINGFIELD -- Same-sex couples are celebrating a big win for civil rights this week, but there is still a long way to go before marriage equality becomes law. State Senators spent three hours Thursday debating back and forth on the issue of same-sex marriage. But most of their debate focused on where marriages could happen rather than the legality of marriage itself.

The bill states religious facilities do not have to allow same-sex weddings on their property if they do not want to. However, businesses, schools, healthcare facilities and social service agencies are specifically excluded from the measure.

Supporters say it helps remove religion from what is really a civil rights matter. Critics argue the definitions are too vague, though. They say they can not figure out what counts under the law and what does not.

During the debate, Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) brought up several examples where he says confusion may occur. One such instance is a parochial school. If it had a room for rent and a same-sex couple wanted to use it for a wedding, the school would have to allow it since the building is primarily used for educational purposes rather than religious purposes. But critics like Righter say there is too much gray area. The full house still has to weigh in on the issue.