Same-sex couples in Illinois will be able to get married starting this weekend. A new state law takes effect.
Several counties in the state have already begun issuing marriage licenses, whereas some others will start on Friday to accommodate weekend ceremonies.
Mitch Locin -- with Equality Illinois, a gay-rights advocacy group -- says even though licenses were already available in some counties, June 1 is still an important day for Illinois.
"It is the first time that the entire state--all 102 counties--will be covered by all the provisions of the Illinois marriage act that allows the recognition of the love and commitment of same-sex couples and their families."
Locin says couples should check with their local county clerks to see when they will start issuing same-sex marriage licenses. Since the law takes effect on Sunday, many clerks won’t begin the process until a day later.
