Cook County Clerk David Orr Applauds Senate Passage of Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act
Cook County Clerk David Orr Hopes To Issue Same-Sex Marriage Licenses Soon!
As a long-time advocate of marriage equality, Clerk Orr applauds the Illinois Senate’s passage of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act.
“It is a good day for love,” said Clerk Orr, who was recently honored by the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame. “The Illinois Senate took a historic step forward today. I am hopeful that very soon I will have the ability to issue marriage licenses to the thousands of same-sex couples who help make up our communities.”
Clerk Orr began issuing Civil Union licenses to couples on June 1, 2011, when the Illinois law took effect. Since that time, nearly 3,000 same-sex couples applied for a civil union license in Cook County. Of those, 1,588 were female couples and 1,309 were male couples.
Lobbyists paid $2.4 million in 2012 to influence Cook County officials
Lobbyists paid $2.4 million in 2012 to influence Cook County officials
Tobacco lobby prominent in 2012
Lobbyists were paid nearly $2.4 million in 2012 as they attempted to influence Cook County officials on issues including the county’s new land bank, driver’s licenses for immigrants, and the landfill moratorium, according to reports submitted to Clerk David Orr’s website.
Civil Union Wallet-Sized Certificates
We are always trying to innovate at my office and here’s the latest new item. These smaller marriage and civil union certificates are proof in your pocket — particularly helpful for gay couples or couples with different last names. $15 for a set of two wallet-sized certificates.
Same sex couples can now carry around proof of their civil union in their wallet.
Cook County Clerk David Orr made the announcement Thursday.
The legal, embossed certificates are available for anyone married or civilly united couples- since they often times have two different surnames.
They’re $15, which is the same price as a standard-size certificate.
The clerk’s office says the card will be handy for same sex couples to show proof of their union at places like the bank, gym, or hospital.
Read more at http://wgntv.com/2013/01/10/wallet-sized-civil-union-marriage-certificates-unveiled/#08bzhPAhQMIBJl4G.99
Gay Marriage Long Overdue in Illinois
ORR: Gay marriage long overdue in Illinois
As the clerk in Illinois’ most populous county, I urge all legislators to support the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act sponsored by Representative Greg Harris and Senator Heather Steans. This measure will provide all committed couples with the same legalprotections under Illinois law – a step that is long overdue.
Illinois should join the growing ranks of states which already afford marriage rights to all couples. I do not believe that government should be in the business of deciding whose love is valid. As I have said for decades, neither the state nor religious institutions should support discriminatory practices.
I look forward to quick passage, and to issuing marriage licenses in 2013 to all couples who wish to marry – whether they are gay or straight.
David Orr
Cook County Clerk
