Sound Off: Patch Readers Speak Out on Sen. Kirk Same-Sex Marriage Statement

Our Facebook readers had plenty of their own opinions on Kirk's Tuesday announcement.

Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk surprised many in announcing his support of same-sex civil marriage Tuesday. Kirk is just the second Republican Senator to buck his party with his stance. In a statement on his website Kirk said, “When I climbed the Capitol steps in January, I promised myself that I would return to the Senate with an open mind and greater respect for others. Same-sex couples should have the right to civil marriage. Our time on this Earth is limited, I know that better than most.  Life comes down to who you love and who loves you back-- government has no place in the middle.” Patch Facebook readers from across our network had plenty to say Tuesday. Here’s a sampling of their opinions: David E. It's Jedi like. Good move senator and a …

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Natalie Stevens

9:11 am on Saturday, April 6, 2013

Hey folks, We're closing down comments on this article. Thanks for posting!   more ›

Illinois Gay Marriage Bill Passes Committee, Goes On for House Vote

Executive Committee members voted largely along party lines Tuesday night.

By Shannon Antinori Members of the Illinois House Executive Committee voted 6-5 Tuesday night to advance the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which would legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois. Senate Bill 10 was approved by State Senators on Valentine’s Day. It now heads for a full vote by the House of Representatives. On Tuesday night, committee members voted along party lines, with Democrats supporting the marriage fairness act and Republicans voting against the measure, save for one exception, according to the Huffington Post. Democrat Eddie Lee Jackson Sr. of East St. Louis voted against the bill. No definite date has been set for a full House vote on the bill. 

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State of the State: What Does Illinois Need to Fix?

Gov. Pat Quinn give his fifth State of the State address on Wednesday afternoon. What do you think should be his top priorities over the next year? Tell us in the comments' section.

Written by Amie Schaenzer Gov. Pat Quinn voiced his support for gay marriage in Illinois, a minimum wage hike and tougher gun laws during his State of the State speech Wednesday afternoon, according to the Chicago Tribune.  The Associated Press has posted the full text from Quinn's State of the State speech. Here are some of the highlights: Quinn also spent much of his speech touting his accomplishments during his term as governor, such as cuts to Medicaid and ethics laws that have been passed, according to Crain's Chicago.  Quinn has said he will run for re-election in 2014. If he does, he is expected to have an opponent in the March 2014 Democratic primary.  Quinn has gotten low approval ratings in recent months. A Democratic-leaning …

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JD

3:56 pm on Thursday, February 28, 2013

I'm curious how you mention states with liberals at the head like California and New York, but you can't mention any conservative states where to many "conservatives are destroying it?" Most miserable cities in the US http://realestate.msn.com/10-most-miserable-us-cities-of-2012#8 (ALL run by Liberals and have been for a loooooooong time)   more ›

Sunday Comics

Sunday Comic: Obama, Biden and Same-Sex Marriage

The president and vice president are on the same side of a divisive issue, but they might differ on their own partnership.

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Ken

4:11 pm on Tuesday, May 22, 2012

You're saying that it would be the same thing, just a different word. Kind of like how the Catholic church uses the word annulment instead of divorce.   more ›