Lawsuits Filed Over Same Sex Marriage in Illinois
By: Michael C. Fehn
Updated: May 31, 2012
More than two dozen gay and lesbian couples have filed lawsuits in an effort to legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, and advocacy group, Lambda Legal, filed the suits for couples who had applied for marriage licenses and were denied.
Illinois defines marriage as a union between a man and woman. However, attorneys say same sex couples should be able to marry under due process, and equality clauses in Illinois' constitution.
In Iowa, a similar lawsuit resulted in the state Supreme Court legalizing same-sex marriage.
Illinois approved same-sex civil unions last year.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, and advocacy group, Lambda Legal, filed the suits for couples who had applied for marriage licenses and were denied.
Illinois defines marriage as a union between a man and woman. However, attorneys say same sex couples should be able to marry under due process, and equality clauses in Illinois' constitution.
In Iowa, a similar lawsuit resulted in the state Supreme Court legalizing same-sex marriage.
Illinois approved same-sex civil unions last year.
