This Valentine’s Day, the people of Illinois received the ultimate gift from their state Senate. They signed the bill that would legalize same-sex marriage. This would eventually make Illinois the 10th state in the nation to give same-sex couples the right to wed.
The legislature, dominated by Democrats, passed the bill at a vote of 34 to 21. This bill now heads to the House of Representatives. This vote puts the bill on the road to the House of Representatives, and the road to equal rights for gay and lesbian couples.
Just two years ago, lawmakers passed the civil-union law in Illinois. This gave couples the right to marry, although they were not entitled to the full benefits granted to a couple that is legally married. This was a step in the right direction, although it was not the final goal for advocates of gay marriage. The end goal was for gay couples to have full marriage benefits, the same as those granted to a man and a woman.
President Obama first announced his support for gay marriage in 2012. If his home state of Illinois passes the law, there is a possibility that other states will change their opinion on the issue.
Over the years the percentage of Americans that support gay marriage has almost doubled. Currently, there are only nine states, plus the District of Columbia, that have legalized gay marriage.
The bill will now head to the Illinois House. Representatives of Illinois are not expected to have a vote as strong as the state Senate. If the House approves the bill, it will then be sent to Governor Pat Quinn. If the bill reaches his desk, the democratic governor is expected to sign.
Illinois is on the road to joining nine other states in the nation, and becoming the ‘Perfect 10’ state to support gay marriage.