Tag: gay marriage

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Illinois has four days left to pass marriage equality

This is the final week of the Illinois state legislative session.

Lawmakers there have four days to bring to the floor and pass the marriage equality bill.

The Chicago Tribune weighs in today:

For those who favor individual freedom, this isn’t a stretch. We say that with equal respect for those whose religious or moral beliefs lead them to other conclusions.

The Illinois legislation, which has been approved by the Senate, affirms the great value of marriage. It extends that right to same-sex couples. It protects their children. It states that churches are not required to recognize or solemnize same-sex marriages.

This is an issue for states to resolve, and the list of those that accept same-sex marriage is growing. It’s time for the House to vote. Under the I’s, add Illinois.

State Rep. Greg Harris, who has championed the bill in that chamber, has said he will call a vote for the bill when he has the votes to pass – which he has stated he believes he has.

Time is running out.

UPDATE: Wednesday Journal reports that previously undecided Illinois State Rep. LaShawn Ford says he’ll vote for marriage equality:

“This is a well-thought-out decision,” he said in an exclusive interview with the Journal.

Ford, a one-time seminarian, said he had prayed over it. He said he has been swamped with strong opinions from constituents on both sides of the controversy. He acknowledged he has felt heavy lobbying from a politically active segment of the black clergy.

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NV: Marriage equality takes step forward – passes in state Assembly 27-14

Nevada took another step forward today in repealing it’s constitutional ban on marriage equality and making the freedom to marry possible for thousands of Nevadans.

The bill to repeal the ban passed in the state Assembly by a vote of 27-14.  Only one Republican legislator voted for the bill.

The state Senate had passed the bill, SJR13, earlier this year by a vote of 12-9.

SJR13 will have to be approved by the 2015 Legislature, and then voters in 2016 to take effect.

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Marriage equality supporters in Illinois: We have the votes

Marriage equality supporters in Illinois believe they have the votes to pass the bill and are ready to do so.

From the Windy City Times:

I have absolutely no doubt we’re going to be done with this by May 31,” said Jim Bennett, Midwest regional director for Lambda Legal. “I believe that this bill is going to pass.”

Bennett declined to give a specific vote count, but said that he expected the bill could be called and passed any day. Rick Garcia, policy advisor for The Civil Rights Agenda, said he thinks the bill has the 60 votes needed for passage in the House. “I believe we’re there,” said Garcia. “The cake is baked. We’re waiting for the icing.”

The bill passed the Senate on Valentine’s Day. House sponsors have since struggled to pull together enough votes to pass it in the House. Illinois Unites for Marriage, a coalition of groups working for the bill, has scheduled a community meeting to update supporters on the bill’s progress and share plans surrounding the vote Wednesday evening.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has stated he believes the bill’s passage was “within striking distance,” and has promised to sign the legislation.

(via Towleroad)

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Illinois: Gov. Quinn says it’s time to vote on marriage equality

Gov. Pat Quinn of Illinois tells reporters “it’s time to vote”:

“Illinois passing marriage equality into law, I think, sends a great signal to the people of our state and the people of America,” Quinn told reporters after appearing at a ceremony in Springfield honoring firefighters. “So, it’s important that Illinois and the House of Representatives get moving.

“I believe a majority exists to get this bill passed through the House onto my desk so I can sign it into law.”

“I think, you know, it’s time to vote,” Quinn said. “We’ve waited now three months, and it’s, I think, plenty of time for people to reflect on it. And now it’s time to pass it.”

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Marriage equality passes in Delaware by a vote of 12-9

By a vote of 12-9! Yay! Happy dance!

During the debate, state Sen. Karen Peterson came out as a lesbian and challenged her colleagues, saying, “If my happiness somehow demeans or diminishes your marriage, you need to work on your marriage.” Truth.

The bill heads to Gov. Markell’s desk where he has promised to sign into law.

UPDATE: Gov. Markell plans to sign the bill TODAY!  Marriage equality to begin July 1.

UPDATE II: Delaware Gov. Jack Markell as he signed the marriage equality bill – “I do not intend to make any of you wait one minute longer.”

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Minnesota: Marriage equality vote in state House this Thursday

Minnesota state House will vote on marriage equality this Thursday:

House DFL leadership announced the plans Tuesday. House Speaker Paul Thissen has previously said that scheduling the vote would be a signal that DFL leaders secured the 68 votes needed to pass the bill.

If the House passes the bill, the next vote would be in the state Senate. But its passage has been seen as more secure there than in the House.

Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton has promised to sign the bill, which would allow gay couples to start getting married in Minnesota on Aug. 1.

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Delaware: State House approves bill to legalize marriage equality

The Delaware state House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a bill to legalize same-sex marriage by a vote of 23-18.

The measure, introduced less than two weeks ago, and a little more than a year after Delaware first began recognizing same-sex civil unions, was approved by a vote of 23-18 and now heads to the state Senate.

Democratic Gov. Jack Markell has promised to sign the bill if it passes the Democrat-controlled General Assembly.

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Rhode Island: Senate panel approves marriage equality, bill moves to full Senate tomorrow

The Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee voted 7-4 today to pass a marriage equality bill.

The Senate bill would allow gay weddings in Rhode Island beginning on Aug. 1.

The full chamber of 38 senators will vote on the same-sex marriage bill Wednesday during a session at 4pm.

Democrats hold a 32-5 majority in the Senate, although three of the party’s leaders – Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed of Newport, Majority Leader Ruggerio and Judiciary Committee Chairman McCaffrey of Warwick – are all opposed to gay marriage.

By contrast, the Senate’s five-member Republican caucus announced their unanimous support for the same-sex marriage legislation earlier Tuesday. The top Republican in the lower chamber, House Minority Leader Brian Newberry, also voted in favor of same-sex marriage in January.

(via WPRI)