News (USA)

Top Illinois House Republican won’t say if he supports marriage equality bill

Top Illinois House Republican won’t say if he supports marriage equality bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The top Republican in the Illinois House won’t say how he would vote on a measure that would allow same-sex couples to marry.

House Minority Leader Tom Cross of Oswego declined to publicly state his position on Tuesday, a day after one Republican floor leader came out in favor of the issue and said momentum is building.

Tom Cross

On Monday, Rep. Ed Sullivan Jr. of Mundelein announced his support for legalizing same-sex marriage.

Cross says House Republicans will vote based on their backgrounds, beliefs and personal experiences.

The proposal received Senate approval in February. Supporters say they are working to secure the 60 needed to pass the measure in the House.

Gov. Pat Quinn (D) said Monday that the House is “very close” to the votes needed to pass legislation, and that he’s reached out personally to ask legislators to support the measure. He has pledged to sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

Quinn didn’t suggest a current vote count, but remained optimistic that it would pass. “We’re going to get it done,” he said.

Cross says he doesn’t see the chamber voting on the issue this week.

Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Mont. House endorses measure to decriminalize gay sex

Previous article

Texas Senate committee advances bill to equalize protections for gay teens

Next article