TODAY: Illinois Senate Considers Marriage

An Illinois Senate committee is expected to begin debate on a same-sex marriage bill today. A vote may come as soon as tomorrow. Via Windy City Times:

The Senate will be in session Wednesday afternoon, and LGBT leaders say that a vote on a bill seeking gay marriage is likely to come sooner rather than later. Sen. Heather Steans tells Windy City Times that she wants to see a vote on Thursday. "Contact your legislators," Steans said. Steans said the bill should be in committee tomorrow evening by 5:30 p.m. She intends to call the bill to a vote on Thursday, she said. But anything is possible, she added. Several lawmakers have been on vacation for the holidays, and absences may delay a vote. Both the House and Senate have until Jan. 9, when new legislators are sworn in, to pass a bill. Failing that deadline, LGBT supporters would have to begin lobbying efforts with a fresh set of lawmakers next session. Still, they would be doing so with a Democratic supermajority.

Zoom, zoom, zoom!