A judge today threw out a challenge to a lawsuit filed by supporters of same-sex marriage. 25 same-sex couples are suing the state because they were denied marriage licenses. They’re challenging the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.
Circuit Judge Sophia Hall threw out a motion to dismiss the lawsuit today. Opponents of same-sex marriage, led by five Illinois county clerks, are defending the state’s ban. They took up the cause after the Cook County Clerk and the Illinois Attorney General refused to defend the marriage ban. Attorneys for the clerks argued last month before Judge Hall, asking her to dismiss the lawsuit by the same-sex marriage supporters.
Illinois approved civil unions for same-sex couples two years ago, but attempts to legalize marriage have stalled in the legislature.