Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley presided over “faux gay
weddings” during the annual Northalsted Market Days street festival
taking place in Chicago this weekend.
Quigley, a Democrat, united gay and lesbian couples on Saturday,
while Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon, also a Democrat, is expected
to preside over the unions on Sunday.
The Midwest's largest outdoor street fair, now in its 32st
year, offers entertainment, food and arts and crafts along six North
Halsted blocks between Belmont and Addison in Chicago's gay
neighborhood of Boystown.
The symbolic ceremonies were organized by the Lesbian and Gay Bar
Association of Chicago, Chicago's WGNTV.com
reported.
Illinois is one of four states which recognize the
relationships of gay couples with civil unions. A marriage bill
stalled in the House after passage in the Senate earlier this year.
A vote on the measure is slated for November, according to its
sponsor in the House.
Supporters have also filed a lawsuit challenging the state's law
limiting marriage to heterosexual couples.
(Related: Judge
to rule on challenge to Illinois gay marriage ban in September.)