Illinois: Senator Introduces Equal Marriage Act

Illinois State Sen. Heather Steans introduced the Equal Marriage Act last last week:

The proposed legislation, a companion bill to state Rep. Greg Harris’ House Bill 178, would allow the state to legally recognize same-sex marriages while still allowing religious institutions to refuse performing them. The bill will mark the first time the State Senate will discuss marriage for gays and lesbians.

There is a lot of talk back and forth in Illinois, in political groups, and in the blogosphere about this - both supportive and critical. I won't comment on it other than being excited that the discussion has been formally begun in another state. If nobody introduces the legislation, if nobody within our governing bodies will formidably stand up with this issue, then it will be no trouble for us to go on for another 10, 15, 20 years and not make any progress. Visibility is everything, both on a personal level and politically.

I'll try to add links to some pieces of the discussion as I find them. Otherwise, woohoo!

Discussion:
-North by Northwestern - Gay marriage bill in Illinois: more political than progressive?
-Are We Married? - Marriage (and Other LGBT) Rights in Illinois and Indiana

Fighting for Equal Protection is Not A Hoax

Rachel Maddow had Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard, on the show last night to discuss the recent Hate Crimes Legislation (which was passed just this week in the House). They also discussed Virginia Foxx' (R-NC) allegations that Matt's death was not a hate crime, and that using his name to push Hate Crimes Legislation is "a hoax."

I love Judy Shepard. She is an intelligent woman who took an absolutely tragic event in her life and turned her passion into change and love for others. She is patient and loving in her efforts to educate others, and relentless in her intent to achieve justice in Matt's name through cultural and societal progress.

This is also a rare occasion when Rachel addresses LGBT issues that are very emotionally fueled and complicated. This issue is touchy for many people, and still fresh in our minds ten years after the fact. While Rachel is always fair and thorough in her take on events - this one is no differen - it was clear that she values setting the record straight and demonstrating respect for the Shepards as much as the greater LGBT community. It's nice to have that coming from a popular primetime figure, finally.

Linkage here:
Feministing
Shakesville

Here is the clip: