Illinois is poised to become the 10th state in the union to approve marriage equality. The state Senate has passed it, the House committee with jurisdiction has approved it, and it's now just awaiting a vote in the full House, which
could happen this week, or it could be postponed until after the House returns from spring recess April 8. With this vote imminent, President Obama's Organizing for Action
is jumping in, sending out an email blast to mobilize Illinois activists to lobby House members.
Here's an excerpt from the email:
Like President Obama said last year, he believes that marriage equality is a question of fairness -- of treating others the way you want to be treated.
Right now, his home state is just one step away from becoming the 10th state in the nation to approve same-sex marriage—and making sure that gay and lesbian families in Illinois are treated equally in the eyes of the law.
We've heard from OFA supporters here in Illinois that this issue matters to you, and that's why we're teaming up with Illinois Unites for Marriage—a joint project of ACLU Illinois, Equality Illinois, and Lambda Legal—to add our voices to this fight.
This House vote is the final hurdle to making sure this historic legislation becomes the law of the land. Right now, a number of state representatives are still undecided, and we know this vote's going to be close.
The bill will require 60 votes, and it appears to be very tight. The bill's sponsor, Democratic Rep. Greg Harris,
seems optimistic that the votes are there, but a vote won't be scheduled until they're nailed down. "When I call this for a vote, it will pass," he said. OFA's lobbying could help secure those votes and hasten marriage equality in one more state. If you're in Illinois, you can join in and call your legislator.
If you're not in Illinois, and want to do something in the fight for equality, don't forget that Daily Kos is working to help Oregon United for Marriage win on the 2014 ballot, when the question will be put before the state's voters. Please contribute now to Oregon United for Marriage.