Top Trending: Dec. 30, 2012 - Jan 5, 2013

An emotional day for activists, politicians and community members fighting for marriage equality was capped Thursday with an 8-5 vote to move the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act to vote on the Senate floor. But the Senate vote, which many had speculated could happen that day, will have to wait until the Generally Assembly meets in its new session.

The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, Rt. Reverend Jeffrey D. Lee, today expressed his support for the Illinois bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry legally.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson of ABC's hit comedy "Modern Family" joined Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon to urge supporters across the state today to make their voices heard on Illinois' marriage equality bill.

Gay rights activists, allies and politicians gathered outside the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago Saturday to show support for Illinois' pending gay marriage legislation.

Chicago Cardinal Francis George says his opposition to gay marriage stems from gay and lesbian couples not being able to consummate their unions.

With limited time remaining in the lame duck session, proponents of gay marriage Thursday night announced they will act on the issue in the new General Assembly that convenes next week, on Jan. 9.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson of ABC's hit comedy "Modern Family" joined Illinois Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon on Wednesday to lobby for marriage equality in Illinois.

State Rep. Deb Mell (D-Chicago) is staying in the Illinois House despite a Chicago Sun-Times report to the contrary.

With support building for legislation that would give gay and lesbian couples in Illinois the freedom to marry, two prominent Republican Party leaders on Wednesday declared their support for the bill.

The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) encourages members of the Illinois state legislature to support the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act (HB5170).