All same-sex couples in Illinois may now marry

Although the Illinois’ Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act granting marriage equality was not due to go into effect until June first, Gov. Pat Quinn has decided couples should not have to wait.

“I encourage every county clerk in Illinois to quickly follow the attorney general’s guidance. Following this guidance, the Illinois Department of Public Health will now accept all marriage licenses issued by any county clerk in Illinois,” Quinn said in a statement.

The governor’s decision comes after Attorney General Lisa Madigan wrote to him this week suggesting that county clerks across the state begin granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The governor has now agreed.

“Nobody should have to wait for equal rights when it comes to love,” he said.