Our Facebook readers had plenty of their own opinions on Kirk's Tuesday announcement.
Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk surprised many in announcing his support of same-sex civil marriage Tuesday. Kirk is just the second Republican Senator to buck his party with his stance. In a statement on his website Kirk said, “When I climbed the Capitol steps in January, I promised myself that I would return to the Senate with an open mind and greater respect for others. Same-sex couples should have the right to civil marriage. Our time on this Earth is limited, I know that better than most. Life comes down to who you love and who loves you back-- government has no place in the middle.” Patch Facebook readers from across our network had plenty to say Tuesday. Here’s a sampling of their opinions: David E. It's Jedi like. Good move senator and a …
Executive Committee members voted largely along party lines Tuesday night.
Written by Shannon Antinori Members of the Illinois House Executive Committee voted 6-5 Tuesday night to advance the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which would legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois. Senate Bill 10 was approved by State Senators on Valentine’s Day. It now heads for a full vote by the House of Representatives. On Tuesday night, committee members voted along party lines, with Democrats supporting the marriage fairness act and Republicans voting against the measure, save for one exception, according to the Huffington Post. Democrat Eddie Lee Jackson Sr. of East St. Louis voted against the bill. No definite date has been set for a full House vote on the bill. Related:
Legislators in support of same-sex marriage have a long way to go, but the ball is rolling.
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Friday, February 8
A same-sex marriage bill may be voted on in the Illinois Senate as early as Valentine’s Day, the Chicago Tribune reports. Sen. Heather Seans, D-Chicago, sponsored the bill in last month’s lame duck session, but it took until Tuesday for it to advance past committee action in a 9-5 vote, according to the report. The bill will now go to floor process where the entire Senate will consider its passage. Should it make it through the Senate readings, it will go before the House, where the process will be repeated. If it passes the House—a big "if," according to the Tribune—it then goes up for consideration by Governor Pat Quinn. Quinn recently told the Tribune he completely supports same-sex marriage. For more, read the Chicago Tribune report…
The president and vice president are on the same side of a divisive issue, but they might differ on their own partnership.
Natalie Stevens
9:11 am on Saturday, April 6, 2013
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