The chief sponsor of Illinois' equal marriage bill says he is "absolutely" ready to call for a House vote on the bill within in the next ten days.
Rep. Greg Harris told Windy City Times May 21 that the "Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act," which would bring equal marriage to the state, will pass by the end of session.
"When I put it up on the board, it's going to go up to win," Harris said, adding that he would "absolutely" call for a vote on the measure before spring session ends May 31.
"This issue is at the front and center of virtually every conversation going on in Springfield," Harris said.
Harris declined to offer a specific date for the vote or a count on the roll call. The bill needs 60 votes to pass the House. It has already cleared the Senate.
Steve Brown, a spokesperson for House Speaker Mike Madigan, said that the timeline on the bill is up to Harris.
Comments from Harris on the bill's progress come alongside news that President Bill Clinton is pushing for Illinois to pass the bill. That story is here: www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/President-Clinton-backs-Illinois-Marriage-Equality-/42860.html .
Advocates have similarly predicted the bill's passage by month's end: www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Advocates-votes-are-there-for-marriage-bill-/42849.html .
If the bill does not pass the House by the end of May, it would be delayed for months.