Chicago, IL — In a major gain for LGBT marriage advocates in Illinois, Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez will file a legal response in support of two lawsuits that aim to bring marriage equality to Illinois.

The filing leaves the two lawsuits virtually unchallenged by Illinois officials.

Alvarez is charged with defending Cook County Clerk David Orr in lawsuits brought by Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) that claim Orr's refusal to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples is unconstitutional.

"We are in agreement with the plaintiffs that Illinois laws that prohibit same sex marriage are unconstitutional," said the state's attorney's office in a statement. "We believe the plaintiffs are correct in their assertion that the Illinois Constitution upholds marriage equality for same sex couples just as it does for opposite-sex couples."

Orr, a longtime LGBT ally, has repeatedly stated that he supports the lawsuits.

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