SPRINGFIELD — Rep. Deb Mell, one of only two openly gay state lawmakers, silenced the normally bustling House chamber today by announcing her plans to marry her partner and making an impassioned case for legalizing same sex marriages.
While personal announcements are not uncommon in the chamber, Mell’s certainly fell outside the norm as she described why a joyous moment for her was bittersweet — and called out fellow Democrat Gov. Quinn for not endorsing same-sex marriages.
“I know our governor and many of you on both sides of the aisle do not consider me equal to you and our relationship equal to the relationship you share with your spouse,” said Mell (D-Chicago). “I think we are more alike than we are different.”
The majority of the chamber applauded Mell following her announcement that she and her fiance, Christin Baker, planned to head to Iowa to marry. Several legislators stood to verbally support Mell — the daughter of Ald. Richard Mell (33rd) and one of two openly gay legislators — and changes that would allow same-sex couples to be married in Illinois.
“Not so long ago in this country it was illegal for people of different races to be married. And there were many arguments that were raised how unnatural that was, how it was against the laws of nature, how it was against religion,” Rep. Will Burns (D-Chicago).
“We’ve seen over time those arguments fail and fall. And I hope that at some point in this state that the arguments against same-gender loving people being married and being together fall as well.
Rep. Mark Beaubien (R-Barrington Hills), the lone Republican to stand and speak, grew emotional while offering his support to Mell, a one-time neighbor in a housing complex near the Capitol. Beaubien later said he believes same-sex marriage should be legalized in Illinois.
“The whole situation with the position she’s in in Illinois is one I think we ought to change,” he said. “I just think that adults ought to be able to live their own life and speak their own truth.”
However, the divisive issue caused silent protest among some of Mell’s colleagues, particularly on the GOP side of the aisle. Rep. Harry Ramey (R-Carol Stream), who wasn’t on the floor when Mell spoke, said he opposed same-sex marriage and civil unions.
“It’s the way I was raised,” Ramey said.
But even members of the House who opposed Mell’s marriage in principle were cordial.
“Even though I am not a supporter of either civil unions or gay marriage, she has a right to speak on the floor to this and that’s why the system works. I actually congratulated her,” said Rep. Michael Bost (R-Murphysboro).
Gov. Quinn, though called out by Mell, said he would like to see Illinois recognize civil unions.
“I think that’s an issue that we can pass in Illinois, and I hope soon. I’ve known Debbie Mell since she was knee high to a duck,” Quinn said. “I honor her decisions.”
However, Mell indicated civil unions were not enough.
“Life can be tough even on a good day, so I believe if you find that person who you want to spend the rest of your life with regardless if you are gay or straight, it should be honored and celebrated,” she said.
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