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It’s Time for Marriage Equality in Illinois

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“Several of my colleagues have indicated that they would not be willing to cast a vote on this bill today … I apologize to the families who were hoping to wake up tomorrow as full and equal citizens of this state.” – Rep. Greg Harris, May 31, 2013

On May 31, 2013, the Illinois House of Representatives adjourned without taking a vote on the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. The lack of action by the House left thousands of Illinois couples and their families without the protections and security that only marriage brings. The House denied them the chance to be, as Harris put it, “full and equal citizens of this state.”

Some legislators told Harris they needed more time – and that they would be prepared to vote for SB10 in November. Well, November has arrived. And much has happened since then.

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court found the Defense of Marriage Act to be unconstitutional. In his majority opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy said excluding gays and lesbians from marriage “humiliates tens of thousands of children now being raised by same-sex couples.”

In September, Steven Rynes lost his battle with cancer. Steven died before he could realize his dream of marrying his partner, Robb Smith. While legislators got more time, Steven Rynes did not.

This isn’t 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.

Watch Illinois couples and Rep. Greg Harris speak out in our latest video…

For more information, visit IllinoisUnites.org.

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Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 7:43 am

Comments

Once again, comments are open on an advertisement.

I will not delete comments here that would not normally be deleted. As always, however, try very hard to keep it civil.

And, as before, the advertiser has the right to shut down comments at its discretion.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 7:45 am
Good luck to Rep. Harris! Twist those arms.

And also keep your eyes on Hawaii - they are in day 5 of testimony in committee on their senate-passed SSM legalization bill… It is believed to have the votes to pass, once the people are done testifying.

Comment by DaveM Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 8:01 am
For most lawmakers, Democrat and Republican, this is an easy Yes vote.

For those who are struggling, forget about the board. It is not a question of if marriage equality will pass, only when, and the likely answer to that question seems to be this week.

And with all do respect to the ad, forget about how History will judge you. We know how History judges those who oppose the steady march of equality.

We also know that history and memories fade.

But imagine it was your grandfather or greatgrandfather who voted to perpetuate slavery, opposed a woman’s right to vote, supported the continuation of desegregation. Would you really feel good about it?

Outwardly, you could say “Those were different times.”

But inwardly? Shame. Deep shame in the cowardice of your forebearers.

How will your grandchildren, your greatgrandchildren feel about you? Well, you get to decide that this week.

Comment by Juvenal Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 8:14 am
“While legislators got more time, Steven Rynes did not.” — That pretty much says it. Time for the House to do the right thing.

Comment by Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 8:56 am
I used to be “who cares pass it and move on” but the insistent use of terms like “equality” and “it’s the right thing to do” and the threat of being judged harshly by “being on the wrong side of history” have to me been all too slick by half, and the correct path is equal contractual rights as a civil union, and no redefinition of the word marriage.

I don’t consider myself particularly religious, but the institutions of marriage seems a religious trapping best left as is. If legislators feel otherwise, perhaps a bill removing a church’s quasi-legal status to create a legally binding contract is the proper path.

Comment by JAFTC Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 9:22 am
JAFTC -
In the wake of Windsor, which refers to the state definitions of marriage over and over again, civil unions are unequal and not recognized for any federal purpose. In this case, the word *is* important.

Comment by DaveM Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 9:32 am
As the Robb Smith of the aforementioned video, yesterday was a day of great joy and great sorrow for me. Bittersweet would be a tremendous understatement. But, in the end I hope, this gave Steven’s death some meaning, some purpose, and I can only hope that in some small way we helped to make this happen. It will be up to others to reap the benefits of this new reality, and I will take comfort in the courage, strength and dignity Steven showed to the end. I hope he is up in heaven smiling down on all of us saying well done, well done.

Comment by Robb Smith Wednesday, Nov 6, 13 @ 10:21 pm