In response to lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the prohibition of same-sex marriage in the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, Republican lawmakers introduced a resolution affirming the state's ban on same-sex marriage and urged legislators to support an amendment to the state constitution stating "only a marriage between a man and a woman shall be valid or recognized in Illinois.”
The Press Mentor reports:
State Representatives David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) is co-sponsoring a resolution which upholds the state's ban on same-sex marriage.
“It is time for the General Assembly to reaffirm their support for Illinois laws reserving the institution of marriage between one man and one woman,” Rep. Reis said. “The people I represent are adamantly opposed to same-sex marriage and troubled by our Attorney General's recent dereliction of duty by not defending our state's policy on marriage.”
House Joint Resolution 95 shows support for Illinois laws reserving the institution of marriage to one man and one woman. The resolution declares the General Assembly's opposition to any efforts to extend the institution of marriage to two individuals of the same sex, whether by statute or by court decision.
The resolution further urges the members of the General Assembly to adopt a constitutional amendment (HJRCA 50) introduced by Rep. Reis stating "only a marriage between a man and a woman shall be valid or recognized in Illinois.”
Reis, concerned that the issue will be decided by the courts, wants a popular vote on the constitutional amendment.