Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Friday
applauded a federal judge's ruling allowing gay couples to begin
marrying in Cook County, which includes Chicago, instead of waiting
until June 1.
(Related: Cook
County, Illinois begins issuing marriage licenses to gay couples.)
“I applaud today's decision that all
Chicagoans have the right to marry,” Emanuel, a Democrat and
long-time supporter of marriage equality, tweeted to his more than
78,000 followers. “Love does not discriminate, and neither should
the law.”
“I look forward to the day where
every American enjoys the same freedom to marry, and when our country
can provide equal rights to everyone.”
Emanuel actively lobbied for passage of
Illinois' marriage equality law, approved last year and set to take
effect throughout the state on June 1.
(Related: As
Cook County begins issuing licenses, bill aims to repeal Illinois'
gay marriage law.)