Gay marriage is being legalized in so many states now, it's almost starting to look like a runaway train to marriageville, population everyone. But it probably doesn't feel that way for the people in those states working hard for their rights. Today, the Illinois Senate voted to legalize same-sex sex marriage -- and I just love that it passed on Valentine's Day!
Actually, Illinois is only the 10th state (plus the District of Columbia) to legalize gay marriage. There are 40 more states to go, so we'd all better start getting used to hearing this kind of good news. It's all about love, everyone. Let's share the love.
It's not a done deal in Illinois. The bill still has to pass the lower house, where Republicans dominate. And there's pressure from some black pastors and ministers in Chicago to oppose the bill. Hopefully a majority will still support the measure, though. Governor Pat Quinn has said he would sign the bill.
The bill's sponsor, Sen. Heather Steans, calls it a "vote for the history books." She said, "We have the opportunity today to welcome all families in Illinois as equally valued." To those who say they are not in favor of "special rights for gays" -- this is just a reminder: Bills legalizing gay marriage do not create special rights for anyone, they just ensure equal rights. Furthermore, the bill ensures that churches will not be obligated to solemnize same-sex marriages if they do not wish to.
I'm just saying -- in a culture of hookups and friends-with-benefits, if there's a group of people clamoring to actually get married, why don't we just let them? People want to make a life-long commitment with legal obligations and responsibilities? Fantastic! Sign 'em up. And honestly, as someone who is almost incurably cynical about Valentine's Day, this is the one Valentine's Day story that made me smile today.
How long do you think before gay marriage becomes legal in every state?
Image via Bloody Marty Mix/Flickr
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Comments 22
Good attitude billsfan.
Hopefully it passes. In a world where Kim Kardashian's marriage lasted 72 days and she earned millions of dollars for it, it seems criminal to me that marriage equality doesn't exist in EVERY state!!!
As a response to krelia, I take offense to your post! There is no "gay agenda" being shoved in your face, anymore than there is a "straight agenda" being shoved in theirs. Gay people are simply looking for the same rights as you and I. I see no reason why they shouldn't be able to have a legal, binding marriage, just like you or I. They are NOT trying to be special, far from it! They are trying to be just like you and me. Your bigotry is astounding! It never ceases to amaze me how close minded some people still are.
Great news, I hope it passes through the lower house as well!
Fantastic :)
I don't support same-sex marriage, but I do support civil unions.