IL State Senate Committee Expected To Vote On Marriage Equality Today

A bill legalizing same-sex marriage in Illinois is expected to come up in a State Senate committee meeting today, according to its sponsor, Senator Heather Steans.

Steans and Rep. Greg Harris had originally tried to push marriage-equality bills during the Illinois General Assembly’s lame-duck session in early January, but failed to garner enough support.

Senate President John Cullerton says the bill has the 30 votes needed to pass and move to the House.

Support for marriage equality in Illinois has come from some unexpected corners, including hundreds of clergy,  President Obama, Modern Family actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and even the leader of the Illinois GOP.

“Giving gay and lesbian couples the freedom to get married honors the best conservative principles. It strengthens families and reinforces a key Republican value – that the law should treat all citizens equally,” said Pat Brady, chair of the Illinois Republican Party.