Illinois to become 15th state with the freedom to marry

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund celebrates the historic 61-54 vote by the Illinois House of Representatives to legalize marriage for same-sex couples. The bill now returns to the Senate for final approval and Gov. Pat Quinn has vowed to sign it into law. Illinois will become the 15th state, along with Washington D.C., to afford the freedom to marry to all loving couples.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund:

The national momentum for the freedom to marry keeps rolling on with this joyous triumph today in Illinois. This is a huge victory for Illinois families. It affirms what millions of people across the country already know — all loving, committed couples should be able to join in the celebration and responsibilities of marriage. It has been a long journey of changing hearts and minds, of breaking down walls, and of shining a spotlight on our common humanity.

We congratulate Illinois Unites for Marriage on their efforts to deliver the freedom to marry in Illinois.