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Gay marriage bill passes House

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Illinois

* The House approved the bill 61-54-2. The roll call is here

Rep. Tom Cross was a surprise Yes vote for the HGOP.

Keep an eye on the live coverage post for react and for coverage of a press conference by Rep. Greg Harris and Speaker Madigan.

…Adding… Press release…

CROSS STATEMENT ON SUPPORTING MARRIAGE EQUALITY

PLAINFIELD… Illinois State Representative and candidate for Illinois State Treasurer Tom Cross today released the following statement in response to his vote in support of legislation allowing for marriage equality.

“As a lawmaker, a father, a husband and a private citizen, individual freedom, equality and limited government are principles that are very important to me and help guide my thinking on issues. I believe they must always be considered when weighing where to stand on policies that affect Illinois citizens. Over the past several months, I have thought long and hard about those principles and how they apply to the marriage equality debate.

I also reached out to trusted and respected people in my life, including my father, who is a retired minister, my family and my own minister. In my discussions with them, it became very clear to me that supporting marriage equality was a stance consistent with those principles that have been so central to my thinking over these many years.

I believe that all citizens in Illinois should have the individual freedom to live their lives as they see fit and pursue happiness. I also believe that our government must treat everyone equally and not exclude citizens from engaging in marriage based on their sexual orientation. And lastly, I believe a limited government stays out of the private lives of law-abiding citizens and focuses on minimizing its footprint.

For me, supporting marriage equality is not only the right decision, but also consistent with my belief in individual freedom, equality and limited government. That is why I supported legislation that allows all citizens of Illinois regardless of their sexual orientation to engage in marriage that is recognized by our state. “

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:02 pm

Comments

Fantastic! A big shout-out to all involved in this difficult journey.

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:05 pm
Tremendous work, Rep. Harris.

Comment by democrat Grrrl Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:05 pm
Time to leave Illinois.

Comment by countyline Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:07 pm
Yay! Finally!

Comment by Chavez-respecting Obamist Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:08 pm
Tom Cross, I know I’ve based you on these boards.

But today, all I can say is “Well done!”

Comment by Bill White Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:08 pm
Good for Rep. Cross, Good for Illinois

Comment by RMW Stanford Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:11 pm
“Rep. Tom Cross was a surprise Yes vote for the HGOP.”

Only one possible explanation. OW finally sunk in.

Comment by Timmeh Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:11 pm
“Time to leave Illinois.”

Good riddance.

Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:11 pm
@Countyline-Don’t let the door hit you in the a**.

Comment by Outandproud Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:12 pm
I posted a similar question in the earlier thread, but I think this warrants repeating:

Has there been any discussion of a January trailer bill to amend this Public Act (once the Governor signs it) to become effective immediately, rather than on June 1?

Comment by cover Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:13 pm
Huzzah! Congrats to all whose hard work, courage, and political smarts made this day possible.

Comment by Joan P. Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:14 pm
Just wow. Growing up in the 70s, high school in the early 80s, I would never ever have imagined this happening in my lifetime. I am so happy for, and envious of, the children growing up now.

Comment by Earnest Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:19 pm
Congratulations to Rep. Greg Harris and the entire LGBT community! Hurray 15th state, about time!

Comment by Spagnost Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:20 pm
And Jay Hoffman is the ONLY State Rep, Democrat or Republican, south of Springfield who votes to support marriage equality?! GREAT job, Jay!! You did the right thing and you’re on the right side of history!! Now SB10 is on to the Senate and then on to the governor’s desk.

Comment by Finally Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:20 pm
- Timmeh -,

Mr. Cross knows Jim Oberweis at the top of the ticket, voting NO to SSM, and if Cross voted NO, running against Sen. Frerichs voting YES, Cross would have been painted, very easily a Jim Oberweis Republican, so I am glad for Mr. Cross, and that Mr. Cross voted YES, but it was 1000% more about Sen. Frerichs and Sen. Oberweis than about anything else.

Good on Mr. Cross. If Tom Cross needs a 4th to play, I am around. I will bring those tees, - OneMan - says I owe.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:20 pm
Way to go Greg Harris, Kelly Cassidy and everyone! Way to go Illinois!

Comment by Rahm's Parking Meter Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:21 pm
@Timmeh:

“Only one possible explanation. OW finally sunk in.”

Or the reality of running for statewide office in a state where most voters support gay marriage sunk in.

Man, Kirk Dillard looks even more ridiculous now. Is he in Springfield to speak out against same-sex marriage in debate later this evening? I mean since he models himself after Joe Walsh and that seems like something Joe Walsh would do.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:21 pm
Congrats Rep Harris! Those criticizing you before this vote owe you a big apology and a lot of overdue appreciation.

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:21 pm
About bloody time….what will be the effective date?

Comment by D.P.Gumby Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:22 pm
Good news.

Also…

@countyline

Please do. You’ll do everyone in the state of Illinois a favor.

Comment by TJ Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:23 pm
Oswego Willy continues to crack me up.

Comment by ZC Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:24 pm
June 1.

Comment by TooManyJens Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:24 pm
Oh be joyful!

Ain’t it good to be alive and in the Great State of Illinois on this historic, happy day!

What a great victory for all Illinois families, for all God’s children.

I can barely see straight. So many to thank, and I will thank them all, but off the top of my head:

Rep. Harris, Rep. Mell, Rep. Cassidy, Rep. Yingling — salud.

Here’s to Rep. Sullivan. You are a superstar, and the future of the Illinois GOP.

Here’s to Sen. Kirk and JBT for their support. I’m with you til the last dog dies.

Here’s to the Black Caucus members who stood up to their payola ministers.

Here’s to the Irish Catholic boys and girls who stood up to their hierarchy. I’m honored to know you.

Here’s to MJM for bringing in the Jumbo Package at the goal line and pushing it in for the score. I’ll circulate your petitions anytime. Nothing like a fiscally conservative, socially progressive, Irish Catholic Democrat from Midway who knows how to get the job done. Splendid behavior.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:26 pm
Countyline @ 4:07: Don’t let the door hit you in the posterior on your way out.

Comment by Northsider Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:27 pm
GOOD

Comment by Some Guy Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:29 pm
how many republican votes in favor?

Comment by former staffer Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:30 pm
Huzzah! Let the bacon, cats, and sharknado loose!

Comment by Montrose Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:30 pm
I see my Rep, Mayfield, ended up voting present.
Thank you for NOT voting against your constituents.

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:34 pm
Congrats to Rep. Harris for fighting the good (long) fight.
Congrats to the Speaker for quoting Pope Francis on the house floor in his remarks in favor of the bill. The IL family Institute, Cardinal George, and others must be flipping out at that!
And we now know that NONE of the State Reps south of Springfield (except Jay Hoffman) have a prayer of ever successfully running statewide for anything. Now let’s see if any of the State Senators downstate will perform similar political suicide.

Comment by 'Bout Time! Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:35 pm
===Time to leave Illinois.

Where you gonna go? Russia? Seriously–how much longer do you think it is until the Supreme Court rules gay marriage is covered under due process and equal protection?

But even more, so what if they do? How does it hurt you?

Congrats to Representative Harris who took a bunch of nonsense flack from people who can’t count votes.

Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:35 pm
Here’s to Pat Brady. This is a guy who was on the inside, saw what was going on and came to Jesus.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:36 pm
To the Post,

Rep. Greg Harris and Speaker Madigan should be congratulated, as the other 59 votes should too.

Knowing where the “noses” are, thatis the secret, and Harris is proving time and time again, he is one of the most able in the Body, a top tier leader in the House, who understands, what it takes other years to “learn” or even a small few never learn in their time in Springfield.

4-62.

There it is.

Tom Cross understood the raw politics, of a ticket with Jim Oberweis voting NO, and a Tom Cross voting NO, running against Mike Frerichs, would have put Mr. Cross in a tough spot.

I congratulate you, Mr. Cross. Well done, sir. I am going to miss you as my Representative, but I hope one day I will get to call you Treasurer, and this vote shows me you are “in it to win it”, for all the right reasons.

Leader Durkin,

Defend those YES votes, especially against their own colleagues, if need be. Be the hammer to make sure those 2 votes, are back in your Caucus come January 2015. Period.

4-62?

My Party can NOT have the biggest “purity” leader, Jim Oberweis, lead the Ticket, with only 4 votes in favor of diversity.

Jim Oberweis, if you care about My Party, and if you want to seem selfless, serving the Party, look at the totals…62 NOs. This passage shouls send you a signal that diversity is the formula to growth, and this unifed total screams to the voters. Silence the scream by the weight of this passage.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:36 pm
Congratulations to the Reps who voted YES for equality and history! On to the Senate!

Comment by PolPal56 Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:37 pm
I think the Republican vote tally is disappointing. Equality should never be a partisan issue. It also does nothing for the image that the GOP is getting that they are intolerant.

Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:38 pm
A great day - a historic day. I am glad I have seen it come to pass. I can not wait for the next Chicago Pride Parade - it will be epic.

Comment by atbat Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:38 pm
- wordslinger -,

Very well put, and I stand with you, congratualting all those you pointed out so well.

The ILGOP needs to focus on the successes of those supporting SSM and build, and not dwell on those still trying to shrink.

Thank you for pointing out those who needs kudos.

- ZC -,

I hope that is a good thing(?)

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:40 pm
“A great day - a historic day. I am glad I have seen it come to pass. I can not wait for the next Chicago Pride Parade - it will be epic.”

Heck, I’m pretty sure my Happy Hour tonight is going to be epic.

Comment by Served Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:45 pm
The Chicago Pride parade will be on Sunday, June 29, 2014–just days after the marriage law takes effect. Mark your calendars and BE THERE!

Comment by 'Bout Time! Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:47 pm
Let’s see…. 4:55pm and Illinois did NOT get swallowed up by a gaping maw to hell… In fact, Illinois looks MUCH BETTER! Common Sense and Fairness Prevail!

Comment by Arnold Ziffle Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:55 pm
YAY!!!!!! Now my friends and family can get married at home! I can’t wait to watch the Senate pass it! Finally Illinois got something right!

Comment by Midwest Mom Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 4:59 pm
Congratulations to Harris. And, Topinka should be congratulated for being out there on the House floor trying to get more GOP yes votes.

To House GOP friends who voted yes, if the Boy Scouts can do it, I think you have all the cover you need.

Watching Obie with his petitions try to work the Senate GOP funder last night was a scream. He was being avoided like someone with ebola.

Comment by chad Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 5:00 pm
It was the right thing to do. Period.
A watershed day for the Illinois House.

Wedding planners and halls (and divorce attorneys) throughout the state are counting the dollars…

Comment by Jake From Elwood Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 5:02 pm
Rauner and Rutherford must be smiling.

The issue is now off the table for next November.

Comment by Skeeter Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 5:07 pm
To the Update,

The HGOP put 3 votes on SB10.

Without those 3 votes, the HDems did a Yeomen’s Job and got 59.

Why do I break it out?

The HGOP, those 3 votes, were important, and Tom Cross, and Rep. Sandack and Rep. Sullivan should be applauded and thanked for having courage when courage was needed.

I say Rep. Sandack and Rep. Sullivan, in a formal way, to make it very clear;

Both need to be on the Floor come January 2015 and continue to serve, as they continue to show that My Party is ready to Grow.

Tom Cross, my Representative, I can not tell you how pleased I am about the vote and the statement that led to this Post.

Bold and thoughtful, Mr. Cross, you have done yourself and the state a wonderful service and when we all look back, I am going to be very proud to say my GOP Representative was one who made a difference, when a deifference needed to be made.

All three of you made your cases, when in reality, none should have to be made to anyone. I have 4 new heroes in the ILGOP, along with Sen. Kirk and Treasurer Topinka. If any of you are wondering, look behind you, your leadership is making your numbers swell, as more followers look to you all, to make My Party relevent, to make My Party grow, to make My Party govern, once more.

Great statement, Mr. Cross. Well done.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 5:13 pm
So did the Senate actually pass this with two FEWER votes than back in February? Who were the switched votes and why?

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 5:14 pm
- Skeeter -,

Rauner and Rutherford …have to get through March, but you are right, but one race at a time.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 5:14 pm
I was married in Canada in 2006, in San Francisco in 2008, had a civil union in Chicago in 2011 now I plan to marry in Illinois ASAP. How will I ever remember all these anniversaries?? Thank you Rep. Harris.

Comment by Waldi Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 5:15 pm
All but three House Republicans stand on the wrong side of history. And all but one in the Senate.

Comment by reformer Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 5:18 pm
Winners: Illinois citizens and Pope Francis

Losers: Kirk Dillard and Cardinal Francis (George)

Comment by orzo Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 5:18 pm
Better late than never; good to see Illinois catch up to some other states in this arena.

Comment by Robert the Bruce Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 5:20 pm
Thank you to my Rep, Anthony DeLuca, for listening.

Comment by Archiesmom Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 5:21 pm
Oswego,

I singled those two out because they were not strongly against it, and they will now not have to take a position come next November.

The issue is still going to hurt Dillard and Brady (if they happen to get the nod), since they have made their positions crystal clear.

But it will be more difficult for Quinn to make it an issue against Rauner/Rutherford.

Comment by Skeeter Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 5:23 pm
===I was married in Canada in 2006, in San Francisco in 2008, had a civil union in Chicago in 2011 now I plan to marry in Illinois ASAP. How will I ever remember all these anniversaries?? Thank you Rep. Harris.

You should try and be the first couple to be married in every state!

Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 5:30 pm
Heck, I’m pretty sure my Happy Hour tonight is going to be epic.

That’s my plan for this evening–I pass Boystown on my way home. Drinking with random strangers! Huzzah!

Comment by Chavez-respecting Obamist Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 5:44 pm
Congrats to the LGBT community and specifically to my friends and family in it. Now you all have the right to be equally as miserable as the rest of us!

Comment by Ron Burgundy Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 5:56 pm
It’s about time!

Comment by Chicago_Gunowner Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 6:04 pm
- Skeeter -,

Don’t lose sight of what the votes and passage is really about. If Jim Oberweis runs for US Senate, he voted no on SB10, now, everyone who “agrees” with Jim Oberweis will be painted a Jim Oberweis Republican, another reason Tom Cross voted as he did, but Mr. Cross deserves all the kudos for it.

That…is the “rub”.

Not the 4 running for governor, per se, but who the ILDems can paint as the “same” as a Jim Oberweis, if Oberweis takes it upon himself to run and do that to the gov/lg nominee and the H & SGOP nominees.

The rest is just “bar talk”, “post game” yammering.

Oberweis, the SSM issue with Brady, the passing of SB10, and all those who “agree” with that NO vote.

Tom Cross innoculated himself from the stigma, and also did a great thing, and Mike Frerichs lost a lever to use on Tom.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 6:11 pm
Yes it’s about time too bad Pat Quinn won’t sign the bill

Comment by Fed up Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 6:11 pm
I am the real Huh? - the one at 5:14 is a fake.

It is about time. Now my sister can get married in Illinois which should make it truly sealed since she got married in Iowa and a civil union in Illinois.

Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 6:12 pm
‘Time to leave Illinois’
I agree with grandson of man
Pack your bags and leave

Comment by kayaker Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 6:24 pm
This is great news! Finally!

Comment by Sunshine Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 6:31 pm
“Yes it’s about time too bad Pat Quinn won’t sign the bill”

You’re wrong about that. Quinn will sign this bill and make this the largest bill signing ceremony of his governorship.

Comment by Jorge Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 6:39 pm
“Time to leave Illinois.”

I’ll even by your bus ticket out of here.

Comment by Jorge Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 6:39 pm
A big win today for many in Illinois. Sad day in defeat for many others…

Comment by Just The Way It Is One Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 7:01 pm
thanks to my state rep, John D’Amico for being such a good representative. he’s doing a great job down in springfield!

Comment by Robert Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 7:15 pm
Jorge,

I agree just another lie by Quinn he stated nothing gets signed until pension reform.
His populist act gets trumped by a popular bill

Comment by Fed up Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 7:26 pm
You can count on Tom Cross when you don’t need him. The bill would have passed with 60 votes. Where was he when he was the Minority Leader and his help was needed? He was the nowhere man, same place he is going in November>

Comment by Truthteller Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 7:41 pm
This is a day to remember for sure. When good things happen I think we have to put the scorecard down and forget (at least for a while) who voted which way. It has been a long, slow march to get here. Celebrate and enjoy.

Comment by DuPage Dave Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 7:52 pm
Actually cheered at my desk when I saw the Cross vote. Also know both of my local Dem state reps who voted yes and know they are going to get some flack and good for them for their stances as well…

Comment by Oneman Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 9:26 pm
- Truthteller -,

Tom Cross voted for SSM, which was bacek by Sen. Kirk, Comptroller Topinka, and Reps. Sandack and Sullivan, and while you think that “vote” is a waste by Tom Cross, since without Tom Cross’ vote, the Bill passes, what Tom Cross did was two-fold;

Tom Cross innoculated himself from Jim Oberweis, candidate for US Senate

Tom Cross showed that diversity is needed in my party and while 4-62 is still bad, it is better than 3-63, and further, if Tom Cross becomes Treasurer Tom Cross, and we also have Comptroller Topinka and US Senator Mark Kirk.. we will have a solid foundation to the Reagan Rule of 80% no matter who is Governor, because diversity… whould be the calling card for Tom Cross and the others, compared to whoever is in the Manison, and however the HGOP shakes out with Leader Durkin trying to build with diversity, backing ALL in his Caucus, and trying to bring the Reagan Rule of 80% back to one Chamber of the General Assembly.

Tom Cross’ vote is only “wasted”, if it leads to none of what I posted above, and I am more excited now about where the ILGOP is headed, than I have been in a long time, with one vote …from Tom Cross… statewide candiate.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 9:41 pm
Tonight is a night to celebrate in Illinois! Glad marriage equality’s the law of the state, effective 06.01.2014.

Comment by Justin Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 10:49 pm
Agreed Justin. I’m having a beer or four to commemorate today’s vote and kudos to former Leader Cross on his vote.

Comment by Jorge Tuesday, Nov 5, 13 @ 10:57 pm
To the Huh? at 5:14p:
No one “switched” votes in the senate.
The two present’s (Harris, Van Pelt) didn’t vote at all; a no (Althoff) didn’t vote, but a previous abstainer (Clayborne) voted no; and Delgado and Mr. President (both yesses) did not vote.

Comment by DaveM Wednesday, Nov 6, 13 @ 8:03 am