The “score board” in the House shows votes on SB10, the same-sex marriage bill that passed the House today. Patrick Yeagle Gay and lesbian couples in Illinois will soon have the right to be married, following the passage today of a highly contentious bill that was years in the making. House sponsor Rep. Greg Harris, […]
gay marriage
Posted inOpinion
State Senator Matt Murphy out
In yet another blow to the Illinois Republican Party, state Sen. Matt Murphy, R-Palatine, has withdrawn his name from contention for the state GOP chairmanship job. And, no, it didn’t have anything to do with Murphy being injured during the annual House versus Senate softball game last week. Murphy was approached a month or so […]
Posted inOpinion
Gay marriage delayed while both sides count votes
Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have delayed action on the Religious Freedom and Marriage Act while they work to secure votes for or against the bill. After passing the Senate after a groundbreaking debate, gay marriage proponents and opponents are waiting for the House to vote on the bill. “The reality is that this is […]
Posted inOpinion
Firearms, medical pot and gay marriage, oh my!
When Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield early next year, they’ll face three issues more divisive than even the ongoing pension battle. But like the pension issue, these battles have been brewing for years, and conditions now seem ripe for big changes. The issues are concealed carry of firearms, legalization of medical marijuana and legalization of […]
Posted inOpinion
Two Springfield couples fight for same-sex marriage
Randy Walden did everything right, but it wasn’t enough. When Walden’s partner of nine years, Curt Sills, was diagnosed with cancer in 2002, Walden and Sills drew up documents giving Walden power of attorney and placing Walden in Sills’ living will. As Sills grew weaker in 2004 and had to be taken to the hospital, […]
