Illinois Legislature Approves Same-Sex Marriage

09:05

November 06, 2013

Ron and Russell were among the Illinois residents at the state house yesterday, encouraging lawmakers to support the bill. (Equality Illinois Facebook page)

Illinois is set to become the 15th state to recognize same-sex marriage.

The measure passed in both chambers of the state’s legislature yesterday. Illinois’ governor, Pat Quinn, said he would sign the bill into law.

The vote came after months of intense lobbying. As Illinois public radio's Brian Mackey reports, both sides claimed they were fighting for individual freedom.

Other states also have same-sex marriage legislation in the works, including Hawaii and New Mexico. But the majority of states have amendments in their state constitutions that specifically prohibit same-sex marriage.

Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson speaks with Joe Solmonese, former president of the Human Rights Campaign, about the LGBT community’s political strategy.

Guest

Joe Solmonese, former president of the Human Rights Campaign. He’s a founding partner of the consulting firm Gavin/Solmonese He tweets @JSolmonese.

Reporter

Brian Mackey, covers state government and politics for Illinois Public Radio. He tweets @BrianMackey.

This segment aired on November 6, 2013.

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