New marriage equality bill introduced in Illinois

While the debate for marriage equality heats up nationwide, gay Illinois state representative Greg Harris introduced a bill on Thursday that would legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois, reports the Chicago Tribune.

The Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act would change the wording in state law to state that a marriage is between "two persons."

"Illinois is a heartland state but has always been a leader in civil rights and social justice issues. It's the right thing to do," said Harris.

This week New Jersey introduced civil unions for gay couples, joining Vermont, and Connecticut. Massachusetts is the only state that allows same-sex marriages. Civil unions offer many of the legal benefits and protections of marriage but not the title.

Last year opponents of same-sex marriage in Illinois failed to get enough signatures to put a question on the ballot asking voters whether marriage should be defined as a union between "one man and one woman." (The Advocate)