In the latest of nationally sweeping pro-LGBTQ legislation, Illinois governor Pat Quinn signed marriage equality into law today at University of Illinois-Chicago, making his state the 16th to legalize same-sex marriage.
“Marriage equality is coming to Illinois,” Quinn said in a Nov. 7 press release. “I look forward to signing this landmark legislation on November 20 and celebrating a big step forward with the people of Illinois.”
Illinois was nearly the 15th state to pass the law, but Hawaii’s own bill passed its Senate on Nov. 12, and Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed it into law later that day.
“The legalization of marriage for same-sex couples is part of the long history of civil rights movements in the United States,” Abercrombie said in a Nov. 13 press release. “Many people have worked tireless [sic] to make this day possible. This significant piece of legislation is a clear example of people exercising courage, determination and patient perseverance.”
President Obama also expressed support of his home state, Illinois, when the legislation was voted on, in a press release earlier this month. “As I said in my Inaugural Address last January, our journey as a nation is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law, for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well,” Obama said.
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