The Illinois House of Representatives approved marriage equality legislation Tuesday afternoon following months of bitter debate and public doubts over whether the bill’s sponsors would be able to marshal the 60 votes needed for passage.
The 61 to 54 vote, which took place in the final days of the Legislature’s veto session, comes nearly 9 months after the state Senate passed a similar marriage equality bill. Because of changes made to the bill since February, the Senate will have to vote again on the measure before it heads to the desk of Gov. Pat Quinn, who has vowed to sign it.
State Rep. Greg Harris, who is openly gay, led the charge in the House, working behind the scenes to convert undecided and opposed voters into supporters before the end of the session on Friday. Prior to the bill’s passage, many observers questioned whether Harris and his allies would be able to meet this deadline.
“This is simply a dream come true not only for same-sex couples all over Illinois, but also for the gay and lesbian lawmakers who were so instrumental in this victory,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. ”The leadership of out lawmakers like Rep. Harris speaks to the importance of standing up for fairness, equality, and respect for all LGBT Illinoisans – no matter how long it takes.”
