Illinois Gay Marriage Legislation Signed Today

Illinois is about to join the ranks of states allowing same-sex marriage.

Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to sign a bill today making Illinois the 16th
state to legalize gay marriage. The event will be held at the University of
Illinois at Chicago.

Illinois allowed civil unions in 2011. But it was a bumpy road to same-sex
marriage. When 2013 began, advocates hoped Illinois would’ve been the 10th state, but
watched as other states passed it. Hawaii approved it last week.

The Illinois Senate approved the measure in February, but the House sponsor
said he didn’t have the votes. It wasn’t called until this month and passed by a
close margin.
Those who opposed the measure included some of Illinois most well-recognized
religious leaders.

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