Illinois Governor Pat Quinn said
Wednesday that he would this month sign legislation legalizing gay
marriage in Illinois.
Quinn, a Democrat, told reporters that
his office is planning to invite the numerous activists and advocates
involved in lobbying for the measure to the signing ceremony.
In 2011, Quinn signed a civil unions
bill into law at an event that drew roughly 1,000 people to the
Chicago Cultural Center.
The House approved the marriage bill on
Tuesday with one vote to spare, following in the footsteps of the
Senate, which approved the bill on Valentine's Day. A change to the
law's start date – from January to June – meant a return trip to
the Senate. Senate members made quick work of the measure and it was
on its way to Quinn's desk within hours after the House voted.
Illinois will become the 15th
state to allow gay couples to marry.