Illinois is on track to become the first Midwestern state to legalize same-sex marriage through legislation. A measure that would allow for the issuing of marriage licenses to same-sex couples passed comfortably in the Senate by a vote of 34 to 21.
“The greatest commandment Jesus left is, ‘Love one another,’” Democratic Senator Martin Sandoval of Chicago said during debate on the bill. “Why is it so wrong today to be able to share licensure with your life partner? You do. Why can’t everyone else?”
“Let’s knock down this wall because it’s the right thing to do,” Democratic Senator Kwame Raoul said from the Senate floor. “The sky is not falling, Chicken Little.”
The legislation will not require any religious minister to perform a same-sex marriage ceremony nor will it require religious institutions to make their facilities available for such ceremonies. It will allow couples who have already obtained civil unions in the state to convert them into marriage within one year following the passage of the bill.
The measure is expected to face a more difficult passage in the House, but Governor Pat Quinn has stated that he will sign the bill if it reaches his desk.
