State Senator Heather Steans (D-7th) on Thursday filed the Equal Marriage Act, marking the first time such a bill had been introduced in the Illinois Senate. Senator Steans made the announcement at a press conference at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago where she was joined by State Representative Greg Harris (D-13th) and Rick Garcia of Equality Illinois.

"In Illinois, same-sex couples have to fight to visit each other in hospitals, make health care decisions, and raise children together every day of their lives," Senator Steans said. "Common decency and the U.S. Constitution demands that this changes."

Harris has introduced Civil Unions and Same-Sex Marriage bills in the House each session for each of the past two General Assemblies.

"This is an important step that we’re taking today to have both chambers working in unison to get basic equality and fairness for all of our citizens," Harris said.

Steans said the time for equal marriage rights is now, and noted that the issue is no longer a coastal one. Five progressive states Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and our neighboring, Iowa – now have full marriage equality. In Maine, voters will go to the polls to decide whether equal rights should be granted to same-sex couples.

"Marriage is a civil right – plain and simple," said Bernard Cherkasov, Chief Executive Officer of Equality Illinois. "The state cannot have a civil institution of marriage - with its plethora of benefits, rights, and responsibilities – and exclude from it an entire class of citizens."

In 2004, an ABC/Washington Post poll showed just 32 percent of Americans favoring gay marriage. Now, 49 percent support it, versus 46 percent opposed – the first time in ABC/Post polls where supporters outnumbered opponents. Moreover, 53 percent believe equal marriages held legally in another state should be recognized as legal in their state.

"Illinois should be on the cutting edge of this fight as well, " Senator Steans said.

"This Bill will clarify equal marriage rights for same-sex couples across Illinois – a right that is already enshrined in our constitutional language and traditions," she said. "We ask you to join this battle for freedom for all families by contacting your state legislators and asking them to join on as co-sponsors of this legislation."