HB 5170 a bill which was introduced on February 8th and would repeal the current state law defining marriage as a union between a man and woman and pave the way for same sex marriage in Illinois sits stalled and ignored in various Illinois House Committe’s will probably not make it to the floor for a vote this year.

I never say never,” said State Rep. Greg Harris “[But] I don’t think there will be a push before the end of this session.

The Illinois state budget, rimming pension and Medicaid outlays are taking precedence and many politicos in the House do not want to touch what they call a  “hot button social issue”, especially in an election year.

Early last year Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation Monday legalizing civil unions for gay and lesbian couples which  gay and lesbian couples official recognition from the state and many, but not all of the rights that accompany traditional marriage.

Seven states currently allow same sex marriage:  Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Iowa, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire and Vermont.

The Federal Government does not officially recognize any of those marriages.