Illinois Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage as Gov. Pat Quinn Signs Bill Into Law [View all]

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Source: NBC News

@BreakingNews: Illinois legalizes same-sex marriage as Gov. Pat Quinn signs bill into law - @nbcchicago broadcast http://t.co/Qet5Pu2kJG

Sweet 16: Illinois Gov. Signs Gay Marriage Bill
"We welcome in a new proud chapter in our state's history of progress."

By Mary Ann Ahern
Wednesday, Nov 20, 2013 • Updated 4:41 PM CST

With the stroke of the governor's pen, Illinois on Wednesday became the 16th state in the nation to allow same sex couples to marry.

Hundreds packed the University of Illinois at Chicago Forum to witness Gov. Pat Quinn sign the legislation -- SB10 -- on the desk Abraham Lincoln used to write his first inaugural address.

"I am a proud Illinoisan today," Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon said Wednesday, kicking off a line of speakers celebrating the signing. "Thanks to everyone in the state of Illinois for making this a land we can all be proud of. It's time to stop planning rallies and start planning weddings."

"We understand in our state that part of our unfinished business is to help other states in the United States achieve marriage equality," Quinn said. "We want to have a new birth of freedom across America, and love is not relegated to second-class citizen status."

Read more: http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/232663461.html