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Brenda Lee and Lee Edwards of South Shore have been together for a decade. They have built a life together. They cook, go to the movies, and take walks on Lake Michigan. They belong to a prayer circle and watch “Grey’s Anatomy.”

“We have known each other for a long time, and our times together are filled with so much joy and laughter,” says Brenda.

Brenda and Lee are like any other couple, and they want the same things that other couples want. Most of all, they want the freedom to make a lifelong commitment to each other. They want the security of knowing they can always protect each other.

But Illinois denies them the freedom to marry.

“We worry about what will happen to us financially–especially when Brenda retires,” says Lee. “We are not entitled to share any spousal benefits that come with retirement. It is a burden that we should not be forced to face.”

It’s not just about the legal protections marriage affords. It’s about dignity. It’s about equality before the law. It’s about fairness.

It is time for the Illinois House of Representatives to get on the right side of history and pass SB10. It’s time to stop excluding same-sex couples from marriage. Illinois families can’t wait. The time is now.

Watch Brenda’s and Lee’s video…

For more information, visit IllinoisUnites.org.