- Published: Monday, February 25, 2013, 8:22 AM
“This is a controversial issue that I did not take lightly. After speaking with constituents and community leaders, it was clear that a majority supports marriage equality.” – State Senator Michael Hastings
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Orland Hills) joined 34 senators in a bi-partisan vote to advance Senate Bill 10 to the Illinois House – a bill that redefines the state’s definition of marriage.
“This is a controversial issue that I did not take lightly,” Hastings said. “But after speaking with constituents and community leaders, it was clear that a majority supports marriage equality.”
Public opinion on the issue continues to shift rapidly, particularly among young people. A November 2012 Public Policy Polling survey found 47 percent of voters in Illinois favoring same-sex marriage with 42 percent opposed, marking the highest showing of public support for gay marriage ever in Illinois.