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LaHood, Sullivan Vote "No" on Gay Marriage
Illinois may become the 10th state in the nation to approve gay marriage after Thursday's vote in the Illinois Senate.

The Valentine's Day vote saw results 34-21 in approval of the bill, introduced by Chicago Democrat Heather Steans.

With the approval - which largely broke down party lines - the bill now moves to the Illinois House where Democrats also hold a majority.

37th District Republican State Senator Darin LaHood voted against the bill, as did his Democratic counterpart John Sullivan. LaHood tells WGIL that the bill was lacking strong protections for religious institutions.

"The effect of that will be those organizations -- if they do not embrace gay marriage or some of the provisions in the gay marriage bill, they will be not be allowed to do business with the State of Illinois, not be allowed to functions within their church confines," LaHood said. "That was a really big part of the debate [Thursday]."

Sullivan, who also represents part of the Galesburg area, could not be reached for comment.

LaHood says that he doesn't expect a large blitz from Senate Republicans against the bill as works its way through the House.

State Democratic leaders planned to push the measure through the General Assembly in January's lame duck session, but didn't feel they had the votes.

Governor Pat Quinn has been very vocal about the bill, saying he would sign it if approved by the General Assembly.
02 15 13 by Newsroom
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