The Heartland Shows Some Love!
The heartland showed some heart this
Valentine’s Day as the Illinois Senate passed the State’s same-sex marriage
bill in a 34-21 vote. The Bill comes two years after the state passed a Civil
Union bill, will be going to the state’s House of Representatives and then
hopefully to the desk of Illinois governor, Pat Quinn, who has promised to sign
the bill.
The magnitude of this bill’s passage
is immense for the nation, as it demonstrates the progress that we have made in
the last few years. First and foremost,
if Illinois passes this bill, it will become the 10th state in the
nation to legalize same-sex marriage, making same sex marriage legal in 1/5 of
the United States. Considering that only 13 years ago homosexual activity was
penalized, much progress has been made. Additionally, by passing this measure,
Illinois will be the second state in the Midwest to pass such a bill, making it
a forerunner in progressive politics.
However, equally as important is
that the passage of this bill shows that life is getting better for GLBTQA
Americans as more and more states begin to recognize same-sex unions, and
public opinion for the case of Same-Sex marriage increases. Ultimately, my hope
is that this will show other states that it is time- it’s time to accept all
Americans, and it’s time to allow everyone the same unalienable rights.
Overall, congratulations are in order for Illinois for taking a major step and
being a leader, and even if the measure doesn’t make it this time, Illinois has
taken a step in the right direction.
Sound
off on this post, I’d love to hear from you all!
~Namaste~
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