Politics & Government
Same-Sex Marriage Signed Into Law
Illinois became the 16th state to pass same-sex marriage on Wednesday.
This article was written by Patch Editor Paula Skaggs
Gov. Pat Quinn officially signed the Illinois Marriage Amendment into law Wednesday afternoon at a public ceremony at the University of Illinois Chicago Forum. Hundreds attended the signing, which made Illinois the 16th state in America to allow same-sex marriage.
The bill was signed at a desk that once belonged to President Abraham Lincoln.
"Part of our unfinished business is to help other states in the United States of America achieve marriage equality," Gov. Quinn said before he signed the bill into law.
There were several other speakers at the signing, including Mayor Rahm Emanuel and a performance by the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus.
"There is no straight or gay marriage — from now on, there is only marriage in Illinois," Mayor Rahm Emanuel at the signing. Reports on Twitter said that the Mayor choked up with tears while giving his address.
Weddings will reportedly begin on June 1.
WHAT DO YOU THINK: Voice your opinions on the Patch comments thread.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
