Lt. Governor Simon statement on House committee passage of marriage equality legislation

SPRINGFIELD – Lt. Governor Sheila Simon thanked the House Executive Committee today for passing marriage equality legislation in a 6-5 vote. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), would provide equal marriage rights to all people throughout Illinois.

“Today’s vote puts Illinois on the verge of making history, becoming a state that treats all people and relationships equally,” Lt. Governor Simon said. “Now is the time for Illinois to become the 10th state in the nation to recognize and protect the rights of all loving couples and their families. I have been a longtime supporter of marriage equality and have worked closely with Sen. Steans, Rep. Harris and members of the House and Senate to send this bill to the Governor and put Illinois on the right side of history.”

Senate Bill 10, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), passed out of the Senate Feb. 14 and now moves to the full House for consideration. If passed by the House, the bill would head to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.