Illinois: Marriage equality bills headed to both chambers of state legislature

Today begins the new session for the Illinois legislature and marriage equality bills are set to be introduced in both chambers. Via press release from Equality Illinois:

On the first day of the new legislative session, sponsors Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Representative Greg Harris (D-Chicago) say they will work to pass the legislation, known as the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, shortly after members of the 98th General Assembly are sworn in.

"Last week, the Senate Executive Committee made history by approving same-sex marriage and gave our efforts incredible momentum," Senator Steans said. "With the full support of Senate President John Cullerton, I am confident legislators will grant all Illinois couples the freedom to marry this year."

"We are one step closer to equality in the Land of Lincoln," added Representative Harris. "The bills we filed today will treat all couples equally under the law. We are going full steam ahead on this." Illinois Unites for Marriage -- a coalition led by Equality Illinois, Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Illinois -- is continuing its statewide campaign in support of the bill, marshaling support and urging allies to step up contacts with their legislators.

The language in the new bill is identical the one that passed in an Illinois Senate committee last week.