Lt. Gov. Simon and State Senator Hunter stand with and support Illinois Senate on marriage equality vote

By Juanita Bratcher

 

SPRINGFIELD, IL – As couples across Illinois celebrated Valentine’s Day yesterday, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon thanked the Illinois Senate for passing Senate Bill 10, the marriage equality bill, and Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) said “justice  for everyone is always our greatest goal, and now it seems that goal is on its way to being accomplished.”

SB 10, which provides marriage equality for same-sex couples in Illinois, passed the Senate yesterday by a 34-21 vote and now heads to the Illinois House.

After the 34-21 vote, Hunter, in helping to pass fair marriage legislation for same-sex couples out of the Illinois Senate acknowledged, “I am glad Illinois is taking this important step towards achieving equality for all citizens. I maintain that justice for everyone is always our greatest goal, and now it seems that goal is on its way to being accomplished.”

Hunter noted that the proposal protects religious institutions’ rights by clarifying that religious organizations and their facilities are under no state requirement to host or participate in same-sex marriages.  

Simon, a longtime advocate for marriage equality and LGBT rights, said “It’s time for marriage equality in Illinois, and I thank Senator Steans for her leadership and the Senate for taking this decisive action to ensure equality for all families. People across Illinois recognize the importance marriage plays in protecting and recognizing families, and the Senate has heard that message loud and clear.”

Yesterday Simon gave each senator a heart-shaped Valentine cookie decorated with an equal sign. If successful, Illinois would become the 10th state to recognize same-sex marriage.

“On Valentine’s Day we all take time to recognize the people we love,” Simon said. “It is fitting that today we are one important step closer to treating all loving, committed couples in Illinois equally, throughout the year.”

SB 10 now moves to the Illinois House for consideration.