May 31st, 2013
The Illinois House of Representatives adjourned until November without taking a vote on SB 10, which would provide marriage equality for the state’s same-sex couples. Supporters had filled the gallery hoping to see history being made, but the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), said that he didn’t call for a vote because he still didn’t have enough votes to pass it:
“As chief sponsor of this legislation, decisions surrounding the legislation are mine and mine alone. Several of my colleagues have indicated they’d not be willing to cast a vote on this bill today,” Harris said shortly after 7 p.m.
“And I’ve never been sadder to accept this request, but I have to keep my eye, as we all must, on the ultimate prize. They’ve asked for time to go back to their districts, talk to their constituents and reach out to their minds and hearts and have told me they’ll return in November with their word that they’re prepared to support this legislation.
“And I take my colleagues at their word they shall.
The bill cleared the state Senate on Valentine’s Day in a 34-21 vote, and Gov. Pat Quinn had promised to sign it into law if it reaches his desk.
Update: Here’s video of Harris’s announcement, followed by openly gay Rep. Deborah Mell:
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Lindoro Almaviva
May 31st, 2013
well, I say we start a campaign to hold any monetary donations until they bring the bill to a vote
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