An editorial in The Chicago Sun-Times called on undeclared members of the Illinois legislature to stand up for the freedom to marry. The bill is within a few votes of passage and is expected to come up for a vote on the House floor in the coming weeks. Governor Pat Quinn has already promised his signature.
Same-sex marriage is now legal in 11 states plus the District of Columbia, with Minnesota likely to become the 12th state as early as this week. The line between church and state in these laws is clear, and strongly drawn in the Illinois bill. No minister or church anywhere has been compelled to perform or sanctify a gay marriage — and never will be.
