Advocates say they're confident legalizing same sex marriage will pass before the legislative session ends Friday.
That's if the bill gets called in the Illinois House. Lawmakers continue to run through legislation including a new state budget, a measure that lowers the age - from six to seven - that a child has to start going to school and even a resolution in which the Senate challenges the House to a chess tournament.
But supporters of same sex marriage are still waiting for their turn. They want the House to take up a proposal that would make it legal in Illinois. The state Senate passed it back on Valentines Day. Patrick Bova has been with his partner, Jim Darby, since Darby whistled at him 50 years ago. The couple live together in Hyde Park. Bova says it's especially important for senior citizens: "As you can imagine the two of us are advanced in age. While are friends and families move forward with getting their affairs in order, our life plans lay on hold and in the hands of Speaker Madigan and in the hands of the Illinois legislature. We can't wait any longer for marriage."
Gay rights activists like Bova did not accuse House Speaker Mike Madigan or anyone else of holding up a vote. While they say they're confident they have enough votes to pass the bill there's plenty of speculation to the contrary.
The measure's sponsor, Democratic Rep. Greg Harris of Chicago is noncommittal.So far only two Republicans have pledged support. African American legislators are also under pressure from influential black churchesto vote no. Catholic leaders are also opposed - they say it redefines marriage and would harm society.
