An Illinois gay marriage bill will not be approved at the Capitol this spring after supporters could not put together enough votes to get it through the House.
Sponsoring Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, said he would try again in the fall and apologized to those who won’t wake in the morning “with equality.”
The lack of action came after mounting pressure from advocates and opponents alike, pitting those who believe same sex marriage is about ensuring equality for all against critics who contend it would violate religious and moral values.
The Senate passed the measure on a 34-21 vote on Valentine’s Day. Gov. Pat Quinn has vowed to sign the bill into law.
Twelve other states have approved gay marriage. In recent weeks, the governor expressed frustration as momentum lagged in Illinois while other states approved gay marriage. Rhode Island, Delaware and Minnesota put in place laws that take effect later this summer.
The push for gay marriage comes just two years after Illinois legalized civil unions for same-sex couples and reflects shifting attitudes in favor of same-sex marriage.
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Friday, 31 May 2013
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