State Rep. Greg Harris and state Sen. Heather Steans joined 48th Ward Alderman Harry Osterman June 1 at Kathy Osterman Beach to celebrate the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act at last taking effect in Illinois.
"Love won out," said Steans. "A lot changed in a very short amount of time, and that was led, I think, by the very active voices in the LGBT community, making sure that President Obama came out in support of full marriage equalityI think that really turned the tide."
She also noted that constituents sharing stories with her colleagues in the legislature about the importance of marriage equality "really made a difference."
Harris added, "It is a great day for this neighborhood and a great day for the State of Illinois … This scene is being repeated over and over again, as the values of joy, and family and love, are playing out in town square, churches and synagogues. Finally, in the State of Illinois, all families are being treated equally.
"This was a hard journey," he said. "But people always have to remember that freedom is not a destination, it is journey, and we have much more work to do."
Joined by two of her three children, Michelle Sevig, associate pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, spoke about her long journey to marriage with her partner, Julie.
Even after multiple ceremonies marking her union with Julie, Sevig noted, "Whenever someone asked if I was married, I would always answer, 'Well, yes and noit's complicated.' But starting today, June the first, 2014, I'm going to be calling Julie my wife."
After Sevig finished her remarks, Osterman added, "I have a feeling there are going to be a lot of weddings in the 48th Ward this summer."
Rev. Carol Hill of Epworth United Methodist Church also gave a blessing in honor of marriage equality, and Osterman, Harris and Steans led a toast as well. Entertainment was provided by the Edgewater Singers, Pride Films and Plays and The Harmonious Hunks.