On Valentines’ Day, the Illinois State Senate voted 34 to 21 to extend the rights and responsibilities of marriage to gay and lesbian couples. Edge Boston reports:
Senators voted 34-21 to approve the measure, sending it on to the state House where Democrats also hold a majority. Gov. Pat Quinn, a Chicago Democrat, has said he will sign the bill if the House approves it… Before approving the measure, the Senate attached an amendment Thursday that explicitly states no church or other religious organization will be forced to solemnize same-sex marriages. It also says churches cannot be sued if they don’t allow their parishes to be used for same-sex marriage ceremonies.
No word yet on when the house will take up the bill.