Gay marriage could soon come to IL - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Gay marriage could soon come to IL

By: Kate Pabich
kpabich@cbs4qc.com

Illinoisans will soon find out if gay marriage will be allowed in the state.

The senate is expected to vote on it Thursday. 

We sat down with one local couple who hopes to get hitched, and they say, there's still a ways to go if they want equality.
 
Three-year-old Theo, is just like any other boy his age.

He loves trains, dancing and of course his family, but as his mom Anne puts it, there's one thing that sets Theo apart.
 
"He sang a little song "I don't have a daddy I have a mommy and an elmie""

Elmie is Theo's name for Laura.  She and Anne are his parents, and they embrace their special dynamic.
 
"Of course we're different, but it takes so many different kinds of families to make a community."

But marriage is one of the things Laura and Anne long for, they have a civil union, but to them that's not enough.

"Being married means you're equal, means not having to explain.  Being married is something that everyone chooses; a civil union is a second best."

Aside from piece of mind, and finally getting to plan a wedding, not much will change for the couple, since many marriage benefits are on the federal level, where gay marriage is still banned.

"That is the sad part because there's only so much the state can do."

There are hundreds of federal benefits that same sex married couples just don't get.  Medical power of attorney, estate benefits, and social security just to name a few.  Anne says it's terrifying because if anything ever happens to Laura, she's left high and dry.

"Survivor benefits are important to me because I'm staying home with our son right now and that means I'm not earning my own social security."

But for now, the couple is happy to take what they can get, and are crossing their fingers for Thursday's decision.
 
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to hear a case against the act that currently bans same sex marriage. A decision is expected in June.