Marriage equality will not be coming to Illinois this week, as a bill to do so failed to be brought to a vote Friday evening, the last day of the House session.
Illinois State Rep. Greg Harris, the lead sponsor of the marriage equality bill, announced on the floor at a little past 7 p.m. Central Time that he would not be bringing the bill to the floor for a vote at the request of colleagues who "have asked for time to go back to their districts" and discuss the issue with their constituents.
Harris, who is gay, said he "will be back" for a vote in the "veto session" of the Democratic-led legislature this fall. "Until that day, I apologize to the families who were hoping to wake up tomorrow as full and equal citizens of this state."
After Harris concluded, out lesbian Rep. Deb Mell spoke, saying of her and her wife, "At the end of the day, Christin and I want what you want."
Earlier:
After a tense final day of the Illinois legislature, the state House is not expected to consider the marriage equality bill, advocates expect.
Friday is the last day of this session of the state legislature, but the measure could be considered in the "veto session" this fall.
The Illinois Senate passed the bill on Feb. 14. Gov. Pat Quinn has been a supporter of the measure and had said he would sign the bill into law if passed.
Rep. Greg Harris, the measure's sponsor in the House, is expected to address the chamber about the decision in the coming hour, BuzzFeed has learned.
Update @ 7:43 p.m.: Chicago Sun-Times Carol Marin tweeted, "Wow. Looks like same sex won't be called. ... We could adjourn soon. Wow."
Illinois Public Radio's Amanda Vinicky echoes, tweeting, "SO many rumors on same sex marriage all day (& week). Things change quick. But sources say SB10 won't get called. Lacks votes."
Update @ 7:53 p.m.: Asked about the reports there would be no vote, sponsor tells Chicago Phoenix: "Wait."
Update @ 8:05 p.m.: Chicago Sun-Times reports a source says the bill will not be called and that "[g]ay and lesbians want to legally marry in Illinois willl apparently have to wait."
Watch Rep. Harris' Speech Announcing The Decision, As Well As Rep. Mell's Speech:
View this video on YouTube
Gov. Pat Quinn Weighed In On The Decision:
A Little Before The Decision Was Made, House Speaker Mike Madigan Came Out Onto The Floor:
PHOTO: #Illinois House Speaker Madigan in the chamber, but no word on when #SB10 will be called. #twill #LGBT #il4m
Tony Merevick
@tonymerevick
PHOTO: #Illinois House Speaker Madigan in the chamber, but no word on when #SB10 will be called. #twill #LGBT #il4m
One Chicago Sun-Times Reporter Put The Impact Of The Delay In Direct Terms:
This couple had set a date to marry -- in July. Now, they'll wait #twill
natasha korecki
@natashakorecki
This couple had set a date to marry -- in July. Now, they'll wait #twill
Throughout Friday, Supporters Of The Bill Were Present Throughout The Statehouse:
Marriage supporters are gathering and signing in the Capitol Rotunda now! "This land was made for you and me" #IL4M
Illinois Unites
@IllinoisUnites
Marriage supporters are gathering and signing in the Capitol Rotunda now! "This land was made for you and me" #IL4M
Pro-marriage pastors just led a prayer, now we're waiting to head up to the House gallery. #IL4M
Tom Bellino
@tombellino
Pro-marriage pastors just led a prayer, now we're waiting to head up to the House gallery. #IL4M
