Category Archives: same sex marriage

Does Illinois Recognize a Same-Sex Marriage from Another State?

No.  As of this writing, Illinois law prohibits a marriage between two people of the same sex and does not recognize a same-sex marriage performed in a state where it is legal, for example, Massachusetts.
The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act states that “a marriage between 2 individuals of the same sex” is [...]

Gay Marriage But No Gay Divorce

Two gay couples in Texas who were married in Massachusetts, where same-sex marriage is legal, are trying to get divorces, but the State of Texas is saying no.  Getting a divorce in Massachusetts is not an option since they are now Texas residents.
In the first case, the men – who are identified in court records [...]

2010 Census Data Will Count Same-Sex Partners and Same-Sex Spouses

The 2010 Census will be the first census to publicly release the number of both same-sex spouses and same-sex unmarried partners.  In the past, these two groups were combined and reported as same-sex “unmarried partners.”
This information will come from the relationship question, which asks the person filling out the form to identify how all [...]

Pension Benefits for Same-Sex Couples

Dennis Engelhard and Kelly Glossip were life partners for almost 15 years.   They owned a home together.  Glossip’s teenage son from a previous marriage, before Glossip came out as gay, considered Engelhard a stepfather.  But Glossip will not be receiving survivor’s benefits from Engelhard’s pension.
Engelhard, a 10-year veteran of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, was [...]

Maine Voters Veto Same-Sex Marriage Law

Maine voters narrowly decided to repeal a new law allowing same-sex marriage.   With almost all precincts reporting, 53 percent voted to overturn the law and 47 percent voted to keep it.
The bill was signed into law in May, but same-sex marriage opponents gathered more than the 55,000 signatures necessary to call for a public vote.  [...]

Maine Voters to Decide on Same-Sex Marriage

Maine voters head to the polls Tuesday to decide whether to overturn a law allowing same-sex marriage.   The law was passed last May and signed by Gov. John E. Baldacci (D).
Question 1 on the ballot is titled “An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom.”  The question reads:  “Do you want [...]

Marriage Bill Introduced in Illinois Senate

A bill to legalize marriage between two adults of the same sex was introduced Thursday in the Illinois Senate by State Senator Heather Steans. This marks the first time such a bill has been up for consideration in the Senate.
SB2468, known as the Equal Marriage Act, would provide for state recognition of same-sex marriage, [...]