CHICAGO — Cook County issued 258 marriage licenses to same-sex couples in the first week it was allowed to do so by a court ruling.
A state law legalizing same-sex marriage takes effect June 1. But a federal judge in Chicago ruled Feb. 21 that Illinois’ original ban was unconstitutional. That means there’s nothing to stop couples from marrying now.
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Because of the ruling, Champaign County has also begun issuing licenses. McLean County is to start March 24, and other counties may follow suit.
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Among those applying in Cook County were couples from seven other states, nine other Illinois counties and 55 Chicago suburbs.
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