what are the laws in Illinois on gay marriage?
87007
It's not allowed, and Illinois doesn't recognize same-sex marriages or civil unions performed in other states either. \n\nhttp://www.idph.state.il.us/vitalrecords/marriage_faq.htm#7\nhttp://www.ag.state.il.us/opinions/2000/00-017.html
736495
Gay marriage is legal in Massachusetts, but not in other states (although Vermont has civil unions). If a couple married in Massachusetts moved to another state, the marriage would not be recognized at all. For those married in Massachusetts, they are only recognized as married in Massachusetts and not at the federal level of government (and do not receive the same federal tax benefits or legal protections as opposite-sex married couples).
853040
Ah, the same reason why California has a very confusing ( and constantly changing ) gun law.\n\nYou see, there's a Federal constitution and a State Constitution.  The Federal Constitution is the minimum, the standard for all states.  But, since there is nothing written down in the Federal constitution that says same sex marriages are allowed, the individual states can out law them with in their own borders.\nYes, I understand your point, but it's not about morality.  It's about politics.  Which basically translates to votes.  The leaders need to be popular with the masses to keep their jobs.
78829
Canada is one of several countries that allows gay marriages. Massachusetts is the only state that does. Vermont and Connecticut allow civil unions.
701735
Yes, in all provinces. And in Spain, and South Africa. \n\nThe Columbian Senate just considered and passed a bill, though it hasn't become law yet.\n\nMexico City is now recognizing same-sex domestic partnerships.\n\nIn the Netherlands, gay marriage has been legal for years.\n\nIn Israel, the Supreme Court ruled that the state  must recognized same-sex marriages solemnized in other countries, so that a couple married in Canada will also be considered married in Israel.\n\nIt's just America that doesn't get it.
93439
Try the state of Illinois website (see below).
792901
Those were the numbers I saw. So in other words the state of AZ is going to allow same sex marriages.
760717
Because of the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996, civil unions or gay marriages are exempted from the full faith and credit clause of the Constitution and other states do not recognize them. Also, the federal government does not recognize civil unions or gay marriages. If a gay couple has a civil union in Vermont and one of the partners marries someone of the opposite sex in New Hampshire, the straight marriage is federally recognized and recognized in all 50 states. Since the straight marriage is also recognized in Vermont where there is already a civil union, it would be the equivalent of bigamy and would be handled by Vermont family court. Since the civil union is not recognized by the other states, it is not considered illegal in any other state or by the federal government. If a gay couple wants to end their civil union, they can only do so in Vermont.
826402
The question in most states is whether state supreme courts will (as Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey  and other states have) interpret the Due Process or Equal Protection Clauses of their state constitutions as requiring gay marriage or civil unions.  If it's in the Constitution, then the supreme court has no room for interpretation (Now, this may change if/when the Federal government/courts get involved).\n\nAs to your policy question, most people will make a religious or moral answer.  Others argue that raising kids in a gay relationship hurts the kids, which hurts society.  \nReally, to paraphrase a bunch of comedians, I don't know what harm gay marriage will do to heterosexual marriage that straight people haven't already done to it!
1032625
You only gave one example of these laws us mean Christians are trying to pass, apparently to impose our beliefs on you, so I guess that is the only one I can respond to....  Gay marriage.\n\nFirst let me say that marriage historically is generally religious, and has always been between a man and a woman.  Now if you want to talk about a civil unions, then the question is raised, why is that only for couples?  Why can't a brother and sister carry the benefits (insurance, etc.) if Tom and Jerry can?  The "marriage" isn't anything but a piece of paper.\n\nBut if you want to take it there... you say that banning gay marriage is something that Christians are doing to impose their beliefs... Are you aware that the second gays are given the right to get married EVERY "alternative lifestyle" will sue for the same rights... Judging by your question you haven't thought about this to much, but have you considered the societal affects on society if polygamy is legalized?  What if I feel like having 10 wives, with 10 kids each and of course need welfare to pay for all of them (that's just the quickest simple example... but I think you can let your imagination carry you further).  What if I insist that I was born attracted to dogs and only dogs... "Who are you to say I wasn't born that way?!"  Why can't I marry a dog that I'm in love with?  If one "alternative lifestyle" gets rights, why not me? (quick side note, a woman in India married a snake this week)\n\nAnyway, this is just such a stupid discussion... But just consider the fact that anyone can claim to be naturally born and attracted to anything and demand the same rights as gays the second gay marriage is legalized, under "equal protection".
422061
402.050 Who may solemnize marriage -- Persons present.\n(1) Marriage shall be solemnized only by:\n(a) Ministers of the gospel or priests of any denomination in regular communion\nwith any religious society;\n(b) Justices and judges of the Court of Justice, retired justices and judges of the\nCourt of Justice except those removed for cause or convicted of a felony,\ncounty judges/executive, and such justices of the peace and fiscal court\ncommissioners as the Governor or the county judge/executive authorizes; or\n(c) A religious society that has no officiating minister or priest and whose usage\nis to solemnize marriage at the usual place of worship and by consent given in\nthe presence of the society, if either party belongs to the society.\n(2) At least two (2) persons, in addition to the parties and the person solemnizing the\nmarriage, shall be present at every marriage.\n\ni also recommend reading all the the marriage code at http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/KRS/402-00/CHAPTER.HTM
148697
Different laws for different states.
1090961
I guess it would depend on what state you live in.  I know in Illinois  there is no way your getting married under the age of 18 w/o parents consent.
530598
Try Findlaw.com, look under Statutes and then Illinois. Search the statutes for what you are looking for. If it's not there contact your library and have them do a search. \n\nThe particular code at issue may be a county or city ordinance rather than a state statute, hence, you may want to contact your local code enforcement.
35635
Yes, under Arizona Revised Statutes Title 25, Chapter 1.\n"C. Marriage between persons of the same sex is void and prohibited.  Title 25, Chap. 1, Art. 1, §25-101"\n\nIt is not written into the AZ constitution and there are petition drives to do so.
145081
In certain states and countries, yes. Massachusetts allows gay marriage, Vermont has civil unions. But neither of these is recognized in any other state or federally. Canada allows gay marriage. England allows civil unions. The Netherlands have gay marriage. But the US does not recognize any of these unions either.
597667
The only state I know of that allow same sex marriages is Massachusetts.\n\nI hope it helps and congrats!!