Illinois Governor Pat Quinn on Friday
applauded a federal judge's ruling allowing gay and lesbian couples
to begin marrying in Cook County instead of waiting until June 1,
when the state's gay marriage law was scheduled to take effect.
(Related: Plaintiffs
in lawsuit among first gay couples to marry in Chicago.)
“Many couples in Illinois have waited
long enough for marriage equality,” Quinn said in a statement, “and
today's ruling means thousands of Illinois couples no longer have to
wait.”
“Our law is a victory for equal
rights in America, and shows that citizens and lawmakers can come
together on issues of fairness and human rights.”
“I applaud U.S. District Court Judge
Sharon J. Coleman for her stance in recognizing that 'there is no
reason to delay further' giving all couples the right to marry in
Cook County.”
“Every county across the state should
enjoy the same freedom without having to wait until June,” Quinn
added.
The ACLU of Illinois has called on
other clerks to “abide by the ruling.”
Quinn last year signed Illinois'
marriage equality bill into law.
(Related: As
Cook County begins issuing licenses, bill aims to repeal Illinois'
gay marriage law.)