Gov. Pat Quinn announced Nov. 7 that he would sign SB10, the legislation that would bring same-sex marriage equality to Illinois, on Nov. 20 at 3:30 p.m. at University of Illinois (UIC) Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd.
In a statement, Quinn said, "Marriage equality is coming to Illinois. I look forward to signing this landmark legislation on November 20 and celebrating a big step forward with the people of Illinois."
The announcement follows SB10's passage in the Illinois legislature on Nov. 5.
In a Nov. 4 interview with WBEZ, Quinn implied that the signing would occur before Thanksgiving, and that he wanted LGBT Illinoisans something to be "grateful for."
Quinn spoke at the March on Springfield rally Oct. 22 and hosted a reception following SB10's passage.
Some supporters have suggested that at least an additional signing ceremony should take place in Springfield, given that Illinoisans from across the state, not just Chicago, took part in advocacy and lobbying efforts.
Windy City Times Publisher Tracy Baim, founder and co-chair of the Oct. 22 March on Springfield, is calling on organizers to further consider a statewide event.
"I really urge those planning the marriage bill signing ceremony not to make it just in Chicago," Baim said. "We worked so very hard on the March on Springfield to make this a statewide effort. Let's make the signing one, too."
Also of note, Nov. 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a time to remember the people lost to violence against transgender people. "They should do some kind of recognition of the date and address the issue by allowing someone to speak to the issue, and have a moment of silence for victims of transgender violence," Baim said.
For registration information on the Nov. 20 event, visit www2.illinois.gov/gov/equality/Pages/default.aspx .
Illinois Gov. Quinn's office will be streaming the marriage equality bill signing live next Wed., Nov. 20, 3:30 pm from UIC Forum, on website: Equality.Illinois.gov .
