A much-anticipated vote on legalizing same-sex marriage in Illinois could happen by the end of next week, according to advocates.
A vote on the bill had been possible as early as March 5, but that timeline is now dependent upon the vote count.
Sponsors need 60 votes to pass the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. Gov. Pat Quinn said late last month that the votes are not yet there. Sponsors have vowed not to call for a vote on the bill until they have the votes to pass it.
Rick Garcia, policy advisor for The Civil Rights Agenda, said a vote on March 6 seemed unlikely.
Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois, previously told Windy City Times that a Friday vote was also unlikely, as some lawmakers were expected to leave early for the weekend.
That could mean a vote March 7 or the following week.
"Generally speaking, we want to do this as quickly as possible," said Garcia.
But, he added, "We're still talking to too many undecideds."
LGBT advocates have been urging supporters to call their representatives about the bill.
Windy City Times will update as details become available.
See how the representatives stack up here: www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/House-vote-last-hurdle-for-Illinois-marriage-equality/41744.html .
