SPRINGFIELD - Thursday afternoon, gay rights activists stood in front of House Speaker Mike Madigan's office, demanding he call the gay marriage bill for a vote on the Illinois House floor. Madigan and the bill sponsor House Rep Gregg Harris have both said they won't call the bill unless they have the needed 60 votes.
Gay rights activists in front of House Speaker Madigan's office - Lambda Legal photo
The gay rights community was frustrated when we talked with gay rights activist Andy Thayer - first run on Illinois Review May 14, 2013:
CHICAGO HEIGHTS - Whether gay marriage is legalized in Illinois is up to House Democrats, Gay Liberation Network co-founder Andy Thayer told Illinois Review Saturday.
"It's solely in the hands of the Democrats, and House Speaker Mike Madigan," Thayer said. "We demand equal rights."'
Illinois Family Institute's David E. Smith said he's not sure what more Madigan can do to change the votes of a black caucus that is listening to its constituents.
"I'm sure Governor Quinn and Speaker Madigan have made offers, but more Democrats are moving away from gay marriage than towards it," Smith said.
Thus far, only two House Republicans have declared their support for legalizing gay marriage - State Rep Ed Sullivan of Mundelein and State Rep Ron Sandack of Downers Grove.
