Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act – Senate Closing Argument & Vote

Springfield, IL — Valentine’s Day 2013 will be a day to remember for Illinois gay and lesbian couples after the Illinois Senate approved the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act by a vote of 34-21 on Thursday.

The bill now advances to the Illinois House where opposition is expected to be more formidable. But Gov. Pat Quinn has said that he would sign the bill into law, and urged its passage in his State of the State address.

“Marriage equality is coming to Illinois,” Quinn said last week.

“I want to thank Senator Heather Steans and Representative Greg Harris for their work to move Illinois forward,” he said. ”Let’s pass this bill for marriage equality.” -