Lambda Legal, ACLU to File Lawsuits Seeking Marriage Equality in Illinois
[UPDATE: Read Metro Weekly‘s full report from Wednesday, May 30: “Lambda, ACLU Lawsuits Claim Same-Sex Couples’ Marriage Inequality Violates Illinois Constitution.”]
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund and the ACLU plan to announce two separate lawsuits on Wednesday seeking equal marriage rights for same-sex couples in Illinois.
The state passed a civil union law in 2011, but both Gov. Pat Quinn (D-Ill.) and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel (D) are supporters of advancing full marriage equality in the state.
Lambda Legal also has marriage equality lawsuits pending in New Jersey and Nevada.
Lambda Legal’s Marriage Project director, Camilla Taylor, said in a statement, “Tomorrow same-sex couples from across the state will be on hand to share their stories about why it’s just time for Illinois to allow them to marry.”
The LGBT Project director for the ACLU of Illinois, John Knight, said in a statement regarding the second planned suit, “We look forward to introducing tomorrow our clients, the committed and courageous couples who will take the first step to marriage.
“It is time for Illinois to recognize the love and commitment of these couples and thousands of others by allowing them the freedom to marry.”
News conferences are planned for Wednesday morning in both Chicago and the state capital of Springfield to announce the details of the lawsuits.
[NOTE: This post was update at 8 p.m. to include details of the planned ACLU lawsuit.]
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