Another Window Opens for Early Marriages in Illinois

A federal judge who ruled in December that the Cook County (Illinois) Clerk could not delay issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples when one of the intended spouses was critically ill has moved a step further, granting a summary judgment motion requiring the Cook County Clerk to implement the state’s new marriage equality law immediately. Consequently, on February 21 it is possible for same-sex couples to get married in Cook County (Chicago and inner suburbs).… <Read More>


Illinois Lesbian Couple Wins Order Directing Clerk to Issue Marriage License

Yesterday afternoon U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin signed a temporary restraining order and permanent injunction directing Cook County Clerk David Orr to issue a marriage license to Vernita Gray and Patricia Ewert.  Gray v. Orr, Case No. 1:13-cv-8449 (Nov. 25, 2013).    The marriage equality bill signed into law last week by Governor Patrick Quinn does not go into effect until June 1, 2014, but that may be too late for Gray and Ewert, who … <Read More>