Illinois Ramps Up For Marriage Equality

Greg Harris

Up in Illinois, Congressman Greg Harris, a Democrat, has introduced the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, a bill that would allow marriage equality in the state, saying, "It marks the next step in our journey toward full marriage equality in our state. It’s not going to happen quickly, it’s not going to happen without a lot of hard work. They call it a struggle for a reason. We all have to keep calling our legislators, talk to our religious leaders and work hard to make this happen.”
But Harris thinks it will happen, and as we've seen this week, it can happen.
The bill, HB5170, is the latest of many bills Harris has filed as a state representative for marriage equality in Illinois. Harris, who is openly-gay, has devoted his career to it,and has been joined on this bill by two other openly gay lawmakers, Representatives Deborah Mell and Kelly Cassidy, who were added as co-sponsors of the bill along with Representative Ann Williams. 
This new law, if passed, would amend the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, allowing the voluntary conversion of a civil union to a marriage. 
Washington passes equality. Prop H8 is declared unconstitutional, New Jersey is debating marriage equality; Maryland, too.
Those baby steps we've all been talking about are getting louder.


source

Still Talking Homo Weddings

from 365gay:

Openly gay state Representative Greg Harris has filed legislation that would allow same-sex couples to marry in Illinois.

In Illinois? Well, I'm sure Oprah and her husband Gayle are thrilled!

I joke.

But seriously, they are set to 'discuss' the bill in the Youth and Family Committee and a large number of gay and lesbian couples are expected to pack the committee room. You know the gays, we love to, ahem, 'discuss.'

Still, the idea of the bill passing is remote. Even Greg Harris admits it will be tough to get the measure to a vote in the House. See, two years ago he introduced a "Separate But Equal Civil Union Bill" that died when the congressional session was over. And, of course, conservative groups are already lining up for the fight.

Sanctity of marriage.

5,000 years of One Man/One Woman.

God Hates Fags.

Adam and Eve Not Adam and Steve.

Adam and Eve Not Madam and Eve.

Blah blah blah.

You know the drill.

Harris' bill, which he calls the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act would “provide eligible same-sex and opposite-sex couples with the same treatment as those in a civil marriage.”

It has a nice ring to it.

And before any of you religious wingnuts gets your panties in a bunch, Harris' bill makes it crystal clear that no church would be required to perform or recognize same-sex marriages. So, you won't have to marry us, m'kay?

Greg Harris he hopes that even if the measure fails to gain traction this year, the debate will help advance it in the future.

Yes, it's the proverbial baby step, but baby steps are happening everywhere these days: Maine, Vermont, Wyoming; Arizona now has a domestic partner registry--which is like the gay registry....you know, when you come out, you get a toaster oven.

I don't know if I need a toaster oven, but it sure would be nice to use one when making toast for my husband.