Chicago, IL -
Same-sex couples in Cook County won't be getting married anytime soon. County Clerk David Orr has announced that his office will not issue marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples despite his support for same-sex marriage.
"After careful discussion with same-sex marriage advocates and like-minded elected officials, we have agreed that without widespread political and legal support, we need to explore alternative ways to secure these rights," Orr said in a statement.
Last month Chicago mayor Richard Daley said he had no problem with gay and lesbian couples marrying, and Orr said he was willing to explore the legal implications of issuing licenses to same-sex couples. (story)
But, on the advice of county lawyers Orr now says that even though it is his strong belief that an Illinois law defining marriage as between a man and woman is "discriminatory and unconstitutional," his legal advisers agree that it would be best not to challenge the law at this time.
Orr noted that under Illinois law anyone attempting to perform a marriage ceremony without valid licenses could face felony charges.
"I'm disappointed that he is unable to issue marriage licenses. But I completely understand that he wants to protect people from possible felony charges," said Rick Garcia, political director of Equality Illinois.
"We have elected officials who are hiding under their desks. They don't want to address the issue," Garcia said. "For the clerk to stand up for fairness is very, very good."
Orr said efforts should be focused on defeating proposed amendments both the Illinois and the US constitutions to ban same-sex marriage.
Nevertheless some Chicago gays say they will seek licenses from Orr's office, despite the announcement.
"The message is very simple," said Andy Thayer of the Chicago Anti-Bashing Network. "This is about equal, legal rights."
by Steph Smith
365Gay.com Newscenter
Chicago Bureau
©365Gay.com® 2004
"After careful discussion with same-sex marriage advocates and like-minded elected officials, we have agreed that without widespread political and legal support, we need to explore alternative ways to secure these rights," Orr said in a statement.
Last month Chicago mayor Richard Daley said he had no problem with gay and lesbian couples marrying, and Orr said he was willing to explore the legal implications of issuing licenses to same-sex couples. (story)
But, on the advice of county lawyers Orr now says that even though it is his strong belief that an Illinois law defining marriage as between a man and woman is "discriminatory and unconstitutional," his legal advisers agree that it would be best not to challenge the law at this time.
Orr noted that under Illinois law anyone attempting to perform a marriage ceremony without valid licenses could face felony charges.
"I'm disappointed that he is unable to issue marriage licenses. But I completely understand that he wants to protect people from possible felony charges," said Rick Garcia, political director of Equality Illinois.
"We have elected officials who are hiding under their desks. They don't want to address the issue," Garcia said. "For the clerk to stand up for fairness is very, very good."
Orr said efforts should be focused on defeating proposed amendments both the Illinois and the US constitutions to ban same-sex marriage.
Nevertheless some Chicago gays say they will seek licenses from Orr's office, despite the announcement.
"The message is very simple," said Andy Thayer of the Chicago Anti-Bashing Network. "This is about equal, legal rights."
by Steph Smith
365Gay.com Newscenter
Chicago Bureau
©365Gay.com® 2004
This article originally appeared on 365gay.com. Republished with permission.
