More than two dozen gay and lesbian couples in Illinois plan to file lawsuits Wednesday arguing that it’s unconstitutional for the state to deny them the right to marry, a move advocates hope will lead to legalized same-sex marriage in Illinois.
The two lawsuits — backed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois and the New York-based gay advocacy group Lambda Legal — include couples from the Chicago area, Bloomington and Marion. Both challenge a state law that defines marriage as between a man and woman, arguing that the Illinois Constitution guarantees the right for same-sex couples to marry under due process and equality clauses.
Legislation to eliminate the law’s language that prohibits gay marriage is pending, but a vote isn’t expected before the legislative session is scheduled to end this week. And although Illinois enacted same-sex civil unions last year, couples in the lawsuits said the limited rights and protections make them feel like second-class citizens.
The lead plaintiffs in the ACLU lawsuit, which includes nine couples, are Chicago police detective Tanya Lazaro and systems analyst Elizabeth Matos. The women, who’ve been together 15 years and have two children, reject the notion of a civil union.
“It’s not the same thing as a marriage. We want our relationship, our love and our commitment we’ve shown for 15 years to be recognized like everybody else’s,” Lazaro said. “When you’re growing up, you don’t dream of civil unions.”
Read More at OfficialWire. By Sophia Tareen, AP.
Photo Credit: forwardstl (Creative Commons)
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Until one of the individuals in a same sex arrangement can deliver a baby without the help of a surrogate or some sort or implantation by a third party then it isn't a marriage it is a union.
God DOESN'T create people with homosexual desires! These gays aren't in love with each other, they're in LUST with each other!
Lazaro said. “When you’re growing up, you don’t dream of civil unions.”
You don't grow up dreaming of being a queer either…
Seeks I believe these 2 lezzies kids are already on their way to being queer. If these kids see there 2 mothers swapping spit and loving each other up they will believe that this is alright even though they didn't dream of being a queer.Besides Lazaro is from Chicago no further explanationi is needed,home of Obuma
Edward, I am going to have to STOP reading your posts. You ALWAYS put such a vile vision in my head it makes me want to puke! lol =P
And you take that back! Chicago is NOT the home of Oblameo! KENYA IS! lol
sorry you feel that way but I say what I think and if we did away with all this political correctness we'd be better off.Joe"BITe Me"Biden has the right idea,he says what he believes.You can't tell me that a male child being brought up by 2 pillow biters isn't going to impact his life.If he goes to school and tries to kiss some boy because he seen his so called parents doing it and that boy clocks him don't you think the kid who wacked him will be the one in trouble.Your right Obuma was born in a hut in Kenya but adopted Chi town as his residence
LOL You're too funny =P
And whole heartedly agree!
What people got to do is find out where these ACLU people live and make life miserable for them,shun garbage like these people they don't deserve to be called Americans