The Illinois House made history Nov. 30, approving a measure that would allow civil unions for gay and lesbian couples by a vote of 61-52, with one vote to spare.
Before the vote, openly gay state Rep. Greg Harris, who sponsored the bill, urged colleagues to help make history: "We have a chance today to make Illinois a more fair state, a more just state, and a state which treats all of its citizens equally under the law. We have a chance here, as leaders have had in previous generations, to correct injustice and to move us down the path toward liberty."
According to the Chicago Tribune, state Rep. Deborah Mell ( who plans to marry fiancee Christin Baker in Iowa next year ) tearfully urged her fellow legislators to pass the bill: "If God forbid something happens to Christin, and she cannot make a decision, by law the doctor cannot ask me anything. I am not able to speak for her wishes. Under the law the doctor has to go to her family and I'm not considered family."
Almost immediately, advocates hailed the passage. Lambda Legal issued a statement saying it is "proud of the leadership of the bill's sponsor in the House, Representative Greg Harris, along with Representatives [ Sara ] Feigenholtz, [ Harry ] Osterman and Mell. We congratulate our colleagues at Equality Illinois and all the LGBT advocates and allies across the state who fought for this first victory."
LGBT Change, which has been working with the Civil Rights Agenda ( TCRA ) to lobby lawmakers, also thanked several individuals and organizations, but added that it and TCRA "will now turn their efforts to marriage as a matter of full equality."
Log Cabin Republicans cited the GOP representatives who helped make passage possible, including Suzanne "Suzie" Bassi ( Palatine ) , Mark Beaubien ( Wauconda ) , William Black ( Danville ) , Elizabeth Coulson ( Glenview ) , Rosemary Mulligan ( Des Plaines ) and Angelo Saviano ( Elmwood Park ) .
U.S. Congressman Mike Quigley—an outspoken pro-LGBT ally—also cited the Pentagon's recommendation of the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in saying, "From the statehouse in Springfield to the Pentagon in Washington, we saw equality take an important step forward today. Today's progress on both fronts shows all levels of government continuing to realize that full civil rights must be extended to all Americans."
A couple mayoral candidates also weighed in with statements. Rahm Emanuel said, "This evening Illinois took a step forward on the path to equal rights for our LGBT neighbors. Promoting equality for gay and lesbian Illinoisans is nothing more than a question of basic fairness—history will leave no shred of doubt that this is the right thing to do." Gery Chico, who recently unveiled his LGBT platform, said, "Extending human rights and responsibilities to committed same-sex couples is not only a matter of justice and human decency, it is good public policy. However, while tonight is a step in the right direction, our work is not done. We must not rest until Illinois provides full marriage equality to all people."
The state Senate is expected to also approve the measure, and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has already pledged to sign the bill. If the senate passes the bill, Illinois would join New Jersey as being the only states with a civil-union statute. Iowa, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Vermont allow same-sex marriage.
-Andrew Davis
Lambda Legal statement:
A big step forward was taken today when the Illinois House of Representatives passed House Amendment #1, The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Unions Act by a count of 61-52.
The Senate is expected to vote on the civil union bill as soon as tomorrow. Call to urge your senator to support Senate Bill 1716. Click here to find their contact information.
We are proud of the leadership of the bill's sponsor in the House, Representative Greg Harris, along with Representatives Feigenholtz, Osterman and Mell. We congratulate our colleagues at Equality Illinois and all the LGBT advocates and allies across the state who fought for this first victory.
Civil unions will be a major step forward for same-sex couples and their families who need the protections they will provide while we are on the path to our ultimate goal of marriage equality. The bill allows any couple ( same-sex or different sex ) to enter a civil union with the same benefits, obligations and responsibilities of marriage under state law. It also recognizes marriages of same-sex couples, civil unions or domestic partnerships from other jurisdictions as civil unions within Illinois.
One important vote has been taken one more important vote remains. Now is the time to let your senator know that same-sex couples deserve protections under the law.
Statement from Bernard Cherkasov, Chief Executive Officer, Equality Illinois:
The Illinois House of Representatives passed the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act with a vote of 61 to 52!
However, the Illinois Senate has yet to vote on the civil union bill and has until Thursday, December 2nd to do so. We are almost there but need your help to make this bill a reality. Please:
1. Call your Senator NOW and tell him/her to pass SB 1716 ( If you do not know who your legislator is, you can look him/her up here ) .
2. Support our aggressive advocacy efforts with a contribution. Not only do we still need to pass the bill through the State Senate, but we will then need to protect the law from attempts to repeal it. We can only succeed with your support. Please donate now.
We are extremely thankful to State Representative Greg Harris, chief sponsor of the bill, for his extraordinary leadership on this issue. Thank you for supporting us and we will keep you posted on the status of this historic bill.
