Illinois Same Sex Marriage Bill: "Because it is the right thing to do"

And I think it's awesome news. Greg Harris, to my knowledge the only openly gay state legislator, is responsible for HB1615, "Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act", brought out yesterday. You can read the synopsis at the link above. It's fairly basic it would seem. Some of the highlights:

Makes legislative findings: same-sex couples are denied equal access to civil marriage benefits; the current marriage law is discriminatory and harms same-sex couples; and there is no compelling interest or rational basis to deny same-sex couples those benefits. Provides that the Act does not interfere with any religious beliefs about marriage..

* - Bold - We found that out yesterday, didn't we?

Additional nuts and bolts:

Provides that benefits apply equally to same-sex marriages in these areas: causes of actions related to spousal status, for wrongful death, emotional distress, and loss of consortium; adoption; family leave; group insurance for State and municipal employees; accident and health insurance protections tied to former spouses and dependents; and taxes and tax deductions based on marital status.

rovides that nothing in the Act should be construed to interfere or regulate any religious practice concerning marriage and no religion is required to solemnize a marriage to which it objects.

Provides that a marriage is between 2 persons (rather than, a man and a woman) licensed, solemnized, and registered under the Act. Effective immediately.

Obviously, I have significant doubts about whether this bill will pass but it's a good, fair, honest start. Read more general spots at Chicago Pride and 247Gay. For other bloggers talking, check Good As You. To see counterfeit "Christians" question the bill with things obviously addressed in the bill check AFT, NOW COMPLETE WITH FINANCIAL GROVELING!!!

This comes as the exclamation point to a Day of Defeat for people of the glorious Republic of Wingnutistan who saw their beloved Protect Marriage Illinois organization (Spin off from Illinois Family Institute, Concerned Women For America, "Porno" Peter Labarbera's Americans For Truth and any other organization that those 8 people are presidents or policy directors in) got themselves sent packing by the Supreme Court
on their challenge related to their previous attempt to get a anti-SSM referendum after they were shown to have doctored the necessary petition with "tens of thousands" of questionable signatures.


Since commentary on such things tends to get heated, out of respect to all comments may be made at my joint where I don't moderate anything.