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Same-Sex Marriage Coming to Illinois

The Guardian

Supporters of same-sex marriage in Illinois have been pushing hard for legalization for the better part of a year.

The Senate passed a same-sex marriage bill on Valentine's Day, but it's had a tougher go in the House – until now.  On Tuesday, the measure squeaked through the House on a narrow vote.

Supporters said same-sex couples deserve the same protections under the law that are given to heterosexual couples.

Opponents said same-sex marriage violates their religious liberty, and argued for keeping what they call "traditional" marriage.

The measure passed on a vote of 61-to-54 as Governor Pat Quinn and other state leaders looked on.

Quinn said he'll sign the bill into law.

If that happens, the first same-sex weddings in Illinois will happen next June.

Brian Mackey covers Illinois state government and politics from the WUIS Statehouse bureau. He was previously A&E editor at The State Journal-Register and Statehouse bureau chief for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. He can be reached at (217) 206-6020.