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by Jay Shaff (profile)

Springfield, IL — Illinois State Senator Heather Steans (D-7th) today introduced a bill to legalize marriage between two adults of the same sex in the State of Illinois. The "Equal Marriage Act" (SB2468) has companion legislation (HB178) in the Illinois House proposed by Rep. Greg Harris (D-13th) and co-sponsored by Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-12th) and other House members.

"Separate is never equal," Senator Steans told ChicagoPride.com this afternoon. "This issue has been languishing too long and nationwide the sentiment is in favor of protecting LGBT citizens." Steans said her bill, for which she will be soliciting co-sponsors, is a part of a "clear civil rights battle", and added that she is humbled to be in the position to have the privilege of introducing this legislation.

"The people of Illinois have a great tradition of doing what is right and fair, said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois. "I believe that the more this issue is discussed the more people are going to conclude that there is no reason not to have civil recognition for same-sex relationships."

Representative Feigenholtz told ChicagoPride.com this afternoon: "I'm very excited about the prospect of voting for the marriage bill. It is possible that we will have to settle for a civil union situation, but the polling data suggests that Americans are ready to accept same sex marriage into our society."

The bill would provide for state recognition of same-sex marriage, while ensuring that religious institutions are not required to perform any marriages that are inconsistent with their religious practices.

If passed, Illinois will join eight other states and the District of Columbia in recognizing same sex unions.

The Illinois Senate does not reconvene until October 14, 2009 and no committee assignment has yet been made. The bill will not be posted until Monday, October 5, 2009.

Bill Pritchard contributed to this article.

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