SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Two Illinois
lawmakers say they're "within striking distance" of getting
legislative approval for gay marriage and hope to send a bill to Gov. Pat Quinn
shortly after the new year.
Rep. Greg Harris and Sen. Heather Steans (STAYNZ') say they'll call for
a vote on a gay marriage bill when the Legislature reconvenes in January.
The Chicago Democrats say public opinion favoring equal rights for
same-sex partners is moving rapidly. Four states voted in favor of the issue or
opposed a ban on it in November.
In June 2011, Harris led the successful push to allow civil unions in Illinois. He and Steans
say a gay marriage law wouldn't interfere with religious beliefs or force
places of worship to recognize same-sex marriages.
The bill is HB5170.
Online: http://www.ilga.gov
