Sound Off: Patch Readers Speak Out on Sen. Kirk Same-Sex Marriage Statement

Our Facebook readers had plenty of their own opinions on Kirk's Tuesday announcement.

Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk surprised many in announcing his support of same-sex civil marriage Tuesday. Kirk is just the second Republican Senator to buck his party with his stance. In a statement on his website Kirk said, “When I climbed the Capitol steps in January, I promised myself that I would return to the Senate with an open mind and greater respect for others. Same-sex couples should have the right to civil marriage. Our time on this Earth is limited, I know that better than most.  Life comes down to who you love and who loves you back-- government has no place in the middle.” Patch Facebook readers from across our network had plenty to say Tuesday. Here’s a sampling of their opinions: David E. It's Jedi like. Good move senator and a …

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Natalie Stevens

9:11 am on Saturday, April 6, 2013

Hey folks, We're closing down comments on this article. Thanks for posting!   more ›

Illinois Gay Marriage Bill Passes Committee, Goes On for House Vote

Executive Committee members voted largely along party lines Tuesday night.

Written by Shannon Antinori Members of the Illinois House Executive Committee voted 6-5 Tuesday night to advance the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which would legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois. Senate Bill 10 was approved by State Senators on Valentine’s Day. It now heads for a full vote by the House of Representatives. On Tuesday night, committee members voted along party lines, with Democrats supporting the marriage fairness act and Republicans voting against the measure, save for one exception, according to the Huffington Post. Democrat Eddie Lee Jackson Sr. of East St. Louis voted against the bill. No definite date has been set for a full House vote on the bill.  Related:

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Illinois Senate Passes Historic Gay Marriage Bill

On Valentine's Day, the Senate passed a marriage equality bill, making Illinois the 10th state to support gay marriage.

A bill to legalize same-sex marriage passed the Illinois Senate early Thursday afternoon, making a happier Valentine's Day for gay couples across the state. The Senate passed the bill—SB 10—with 34 votes in favor, 21 votes against and two abstentions. The bill will now go to the House of Representatives, where it needs 60 votes to pass.  If passed, the state law defining marriage would be changed from an act between a man and a woman, to two people.  Longtime LGBT ally Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-12th), who represents the Boystown neighborhood, said the importance of Thursday's vote cannot be overstated.  “Today is a monumental and historic day not only for Illinois’ LGBT community and allies, but for the future of our entire state. By voting…

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DG Guy

11:06 am on Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Maslow's heirarchy of needs. Eating, safety and employment come before love and procreation. I think that's his point. Great move for equality (YAY YAY) but we're ignoring more basic needs.   more ›

Illinois Takes Step Toward Gay Marriage

Legislators in support of same-sex marriage have a long way to go, but the ball is rolling.

A same-sex marriage bill may be voted on in the Illinois Senate as early as Valentine’s Day, the Chicago Tribune reports. Sen. Heather Seans, D-Chicago, sponsored the bill in last month’s lame duck session, but it took until Tuesday for it to advance past committee action in a 9-5 vote, according to the report. The bill will now go to floor process where the entire Senate will consider its passage. Should it make it through the Senate readings, it will go before the House, where the process will be repeated. If it passes the House—a big "if," according to the Tribune—it then goes up for consideration by Governor Pat Quinn. Quinn recently told the Tribune he completely supports same-sex marriage. For more, read the Chicago Tribune report…

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@Lisle Online

Six Benet Students Going On to College Ball

Six student athletes so far have signed letters of intent to colleges across the nation, and other interesting Lisle-related items that hit the Internet recently.

Six letters of intent and counting Today Benet Academy announced on their Facebook that six student athletes recently signed letters of intent in basketball, softball and volleyball. Benet basketball player Frank Kaminsky signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Wisconsin in 2011. Benedictine soccer player honored Jessie Oritz was named men's soccer NAC Freshman of the Year. Benedictine University instructor claims she was fired for intended gay marriage AOL News contributor Hugh Collins reported that a Benedictine University professor alleges she was fired after publishing her gay wedding announcement. Laine Tadlock says she was upfront about her sexuality and plans to wed upon hiring. The president said in a statement …

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