Illinois Senate Passes Marriage Bill

With a vote of 34-21, the Illinois Senate passed a marriage equality bill today, moving Illinois same-sex couples and their families one step closer to the freedom to marry. Lambda Legal celebrates the vote and urges the Illinois House of Representatives to follow.

"We thank the Illinois Senate for passing this historic bill, making this a sweet Valentine’s Day for loving same-sex couples across the state," says Jim Bennett, Regional Director of Lambda Legal's Midwest Regional Office. "The momentum for marriage continues on this day American holiday honoring love and commitment, and we now urge the House of Representatives to join the right side of history and grant same-sex couples the dignity and respect of marriage."

Lambda Legal congratulates and thanks the bill's sponsor in the Senate, Heather Steans, along with Senate co-sponsors Koehler, Hutchinson, Harmon and Delgado. Lambda Legal also thanks the bill’s sponsor in the House of Representatives, Greg Harris, along with Representatives Kelly Cassidy and Deb Mell. To become law, the bill needs at least 60 votes in the House and the Governor's signature. 

Together, Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Illinois each filed lawsuits on May 30, 2012, representing a total of 25 same-sex couples from across the state of Illinois seeking the freedom to marry. Two days later, the Illinois Attorney General's office filed papers agreeing that barring same-sex couples from marriage is unconstitutional. The Cook County Clerk and States Attorney also agree that the marriage ban is unconstitutional.

Learn more about Lambda Legal’s Illinois marriage lawsuit.

Sign our pledge and support the freedom to marry.