Opponents and supporters of a bill that would legalize equal marriage in Illinois will face off in demonstrations aimed at securing an Aurora representative's vote April 20.
Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia remains undecided on SB10, and with sponsors close to securing the 60 votes needed to pass the bill, the two sides will rally in front of her Aurora office Saturday.
According to an email sent out by the Illinois Unites for Marriage coalition, which is backing the bill, opponents have organized a rally to discourage Chapa LaVia from voting "yes."
Supporters are aiming to counter that demonstration by turning out LGBTs and allies in favor of the bill.
"Our opponents will be in full force on Saturday," said Lambda Legal Midwest Regional Director Jim Bennett, in the email. "They'll be loud, and they'll be spreading hurtful lies about same-sex couples and their families."
Chapa LaVia, who is in Springfield for session, could not be reached for comment.
Supporters of the bill will gather April 20 at 10:30 a.m. outside Chapa LaVia's Aurora office, 8 Galena Blvd. Information about that and other actions is available at http://www.illinoisunites.org/events.