Wed. November 14, 2012
Chicago, IL -
Mayor Rahm Emanuel listed marriage equality as the third priority - behind pension reform and a Chicago casino - he'd like to see Springfield tackle in the upcoming legislative session.
"I will continue to advocate, as I have since a congressman, that we also pass marriage equality and end the discrimination on the books," Emanuel told reporters on Tuesday. "The time for marriage equality is now. The time is right and the time is here."
Emanuel said he plans to get "very involved" in passing a gay marriage bill and has been in contact with openly gay State Reps. Greg Harris (D-Chicago) and Deb Mell (D-Chicago), who introduced legislation in February which would legalize same-sex marriage in the state.
The bill never came up for a vote, but earlier this month Harris expressed hope that the bill could be passed in the upcoming lame duck session.
Emanuel continued his push for marriage equality in a Nov. 13 statement issued by his office.
"Marriage is the next step in our nation's march forward. Illinois must lead the way," Emanuel wrote in the statement, which has been published by newspapers throughout the state.
Support for marriage equality continues to grow in Illinois. A 2012 Paul Simon Public Policy Institute poll released in September indicated the number of Illinois residents who say gay and lesbian couples should be allowed to marry is up 10 points.
On the Web:
Gay marriage Emanuel's No. 3 priority for Legislature
(Chicago Sun-Times)
Emanuel: Illinois should lead on marriage equality
(Windy City Times)
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