LGBT Orgs And Activists Respond To Illinois House Failure To Bring Marriage To A Vote

Tonight the Illinois House failed to bring a same-sex marriage bill to the floor for a vote. The bill’s lead sponsor said several Representatives told him they needed more time to talk with their constituents and to “talk to their constituents and reach out to their minds and hearts.” The Illinois legislative session has ended, and the bill will return for a vote in November.

Rhode Island, Delaware and Minnesota all passed marriage equality into law over the past two months.

Below, reactions from LGBT organizations and activists:

Freedom to Marry: Marc Solomon, national campaign director:

“After an overwhelming victory in the Senate, today’s failure by the Illinois House is a disgrace, especially for the thousands of committed same-sex couples who want and deserve to make the ultimate vow before their friends and family and spend the rest of their lives with the person they love, protected and supported by their marriage. Freedom to Marry is proud to be an active partner in Illinois Unites for Marriage, and is grateful for the groups that led the effort on the ground — the ACLU, Equality Illinois, and Lambda Legal. We also deeply appreciate the leadership of lead bill sponsors in the House and Senate, Rep. Greg Harris and Sen. Heather Steans. Make no mistake, we will fight and make our case until all Illinois families have the freedom to marry the person they love and until the legislative vote reflects the solid majority of Illinoisans and Americans who stand for treating their neighbors the way they want to be treated.”

Human Rights Campaign: Chad Griffin, president:

“The House of Representatives has neglected the rights of its constituents by failing to vote on marriage equality legislation. For months, LGBT couples and their children have had their lives put on hold throughout an exhaustive political process that ultimately came up short.

“Today’s inaction is a prime example of why the U.S. Supreme Court must rule in favor of full marriage equality nationwide to ensure the security and welfare of these and countless other American families aren’t left to chance in future political battles.

“We’re grateful to the bill’s sponsors, state Rep. Greg Harris and state Sen. Heather Steans, for their leadership in getting us this far, and will continue to work with them and all of our allies in Illinois to ultimately achieve full marriage equality.

“We have come so far over the last few months and this tremendous progress is thanks in part to the tremendous leadership of businessman and philanthropist Fred Eychaner, to whom our community is very grateful.”

Illinois Unites for Marriage coalition:

“It is very disappointing that gay and lesbian couples in Illinois will continue to be treated as second-class citizens. To postpone the vote any further is simply unacceptable,” said Jim Bennett, Midwest Regional Director for Lambda Legal.

“The failure to call the vote today is disgraceful. In the time since this bill has been sitting in the Illinois House, three other states were able to pass marriage equality through their chambers. However, this proves that our country is moving towards the right side of history, and quickly,” said Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois.

Ed Yonka of ACLU of Illinois said, “We are most distressed for the thousands of couples across the State whose lives and families deserve the dignity and recognition of marriage. We will continue to speak with legislators about the vital need to extend the freedom to marry for these couples. Our litigation filed a year ago this week also continues.”