State Law Reinforcing Marriage Equality to Take Effect

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — A new law co-sponsored by state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, and taking effect Jan. 1 enshrines marriage equality for all couples, defending same-sex unions in Illinois from right-wing attacks by out-of-state judges and politicians.

“Following the shameful and nakedly partisan Dobbs decision by the Supreme Court’s far-right majority last year, we began to see concerning indications coming out of Washington with far-reaching negative implications for other hard-won and fundamental rights,” Avelar said. “The six unelected politicians who make up the Court’s far-right majority have shown that they are willing and able to abandon settled law and longstanding precedent to strip rights and protections from the American people in pursuit of a right-wing agenda. That’s why it was—and still is—crucial that we prepare for more pseudo-judicial attacks on equal rights.”

Avelar co-sponsored House Bill 1591 which ensures that same-sex couples residing outside of Illinois will be allowed to marry in the state, even if the Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges is overturned. Avelar’s law repeals parts of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA) that prohibit out-of-state residents who do not plan to reside in Illinois from getting married here if their marriage would not be permitted where they do live. The law permits couples from other states to come to Illinois to get married without having to permanently relocate.

House Bill 1591 was signed on June 9 by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and has an effective date of Jan. 1, 2024.

“The right-wing judges who stripped away the right to choose have been clear that they are not done, and the rights of same-sex couples are not safe in their hands,” Avelar said. “That’s why it’s important now more than ever that we continue to move Illinois in a fundamentally better direction. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing. That’s why Illinois has a responsibility to stand ready to help those who may come here seeking help.”