ILLINOIS: Lambda Legal & ACLU To File Suit Demanding Equal Marriage

Lambda Legal and the ACLU will today file a joint lawsuit demanding full marriage equality for the citizens of Illinois.

A total of 25 couples from across the state are plaintiffs in the two lawsuits. Each couple tried to get a marriage license from the Cook County clerk's office in May and was denied based on the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, which prohibits marriage "between 2 individuals of the same sex" and states: "A marriage between 2 individuals of the same sex is contrary to the public policy of this State." Cook County Clerk David Orr's office issued a statement from the clerk, who is out of the country: "The time is long past due for the state of Illinois to allow county clerks to issue marriage license to couples who want to make their commitment. I hope these lawsuits are the last hurdle to achieving equal marriage rights for all."

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has publicly expressed support for marriage equality and it is hoped that he will direct the state not to fight the lawsuit