SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Another undecided lawmaker in Illinois has announced his support for a bill to legalize same-sex marriage.
LaShawn Ford, a Chicago Democrat, said Tuesday a “majority of constituents” in his district support of the legislation, which would make Illinois the 13th state to allow same-sex marriage.
Ford said he received thousands of calls and emails urging his support. He described his decision as “a process.”
Ford joins Chicago Rep. Ken Dunkin as the second House Black Caucus member to publicly back the measure.
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Caucus members are being lobbied extensively by both sides. Their support is seen as key to the bill’s passage.
The Senate passed the marriage equality bill on marriage in February. The state House is expected to vote before Friday.
Gov. Pat Quinn supports the measure and has called it one of his top legislative priorities.