November 5th, 2013
This Buzzfeed post quotes Anthony Martinez, executive director of The Civil Rights Agenda, a saying that the Illinois House will vote on the marriage equality bill today. But it then goes on to cite other sources saying that the vote count stands “at 58 or 59,” just shy of the 60 votes needed, and that the exact timing for the vote depends on who is present. So who knows when it will happen. But it does look like there’s some movement:
As lawmakers began Tuesday’s session, Rep. Greg Harris, the chief sponsor of the marriage equality bill in the House, amended its language to change the date the legislation would go into effect, and to seemingly reiterate exemptions for private clubs do not want to host marriages for same-sex couples.
The amendment removes lines including the 30-day effective date, which will allow Harris to pass the bill with only 60 votes instead of 71. Rules dictate that bills passed in this “veto session” like this can go into effect June 1, 2014.
If the amended bill makes it through the House, it will then need to go back to the Senate for its approval, which observers say is no big deal.
Update: Debate has started! You can see the livestream here.
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Let’s hope that’s a sign that votes have been counted and it will pass.
However, even if it fails, it is important to have the vote. Once on record, no one can hide behind ambiguity or mixed messages.
Mark F.
November 5th, 2013
Passes 61-54
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