News (USA)

Gay rights group blasts Ill. gubernatorial candidate on gay marriage opposition

Gay rights group blasts Ill. gubernatorial candidate on gay marriage opposition

Updated: 6:30 p.m. CDT

CHICAGO — Gay rights advocates are blasting Republican candidate for governor Bruce Rauner’s stance on the issue as Illinois’ new law allowing same-sex marriages takes effect statewide.

Bruce Rauner
Bruce Rauner

Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov says the Winnetka businessman has opposed efforts for the new law and has previously vowed to work against them.

He says Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn has been a champion of same-sex marriage.

Advocates addressed the issue Monday in Chicago. The law took effect Sunday. But since it wasn’t a business day some county clerks waited until Monday to issue marriage documents.

Rauner hasn’t detailed his views on gay marriage, aside from saying he doesn’t have a social issues agenda, and said Monday that Equality Illinois ‘ claims were “false.”

Rauner said Monday that Illinois voters should have decided whether same-sex marriage should be legal in the state, but now that it’s the law he won’t advocate changing it.

Quinn, who’s seeking re-election against Rauner in November, pressed for the bill and signed it into law.

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