A group of Illinois lawmakers are aiming to make the state LGBT-friendly after filing a bill Wednesday that would legalize same-sex marriage in the state.
Reps. Greg Harris, Deb Mell, and Kelly Cassidy – all of whom are openly gay – filed the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act which, if passed, would incorporate laws “applicable to marriage apply equally to marriages of same-sex and different-sex couples and their children,” the Windy City Times is reporting.
The bill also affords the promise of “the same benefits, protections, and responsibilities under law,” for LGBT couples and families in the state.
“We commend these leaders for taking yet another step towards full equality for lesbian and gay families in Illinois, and we are grateful to them for their leadership. This is just the beginning: the road to marriage equality is sure to be long, but it is one that we must travel together,” said LGBT organization Equality Illinois in a statement.
If passed into legislation, the law would amend the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act to include same-sex marriages as part of its protections.
The Windy City Times reports the feat to pass same-sex marriage will not be an easy one.
“Marriage has always been one of the principal goals for our organization and we are pleased to finally be able to move forward towards achieving that goal,” said Anthony Martinez, executive director of The Civil Rights Agenda in a statement.
He added: “People need to understand that this is not a slam dunk. We have work to do.”
