Today, in his constitutionally-mandated “State of the State” message to the Illinois General Assembly, Governor Pat Quinn expressed his strong support for extending the freedom to marry to gay and lesbian couples in Illinois. The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois welcomed the Governor’s support and his call for passing marriage legislation as quickly as possible.
The following can be attributed to Edwin C. Yohnka, Director of Communications and Public Policy for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois:
The Governor’s words of support for extending the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in Illinois are further evidence that the time is now for Illinois to join the growing list of states that recognize the love of same-sex couples with the dignity of marriage. The General Assembly should act quickly to move Senate Bill 10 – approved by the Senate Executive Committee just yesterday – to the Governor’s desk for his approval. Thousands of couples across Illinois – including our clients Danielle Cook and Suzie Hutton of Bloomington who testified yesterday – are waiting for this legislation to become law.
The Governor’s strong endorsement today is welcome and reflects the growing public support for marriage across Illinois.
