Illinois Lawmaker Gets Engaged After Same-Sex Marriage Approval

An Illinois lawmaker got engaged to his partner just hours after the state legislature approved same-sex marriage legislation.

State Rep. Sam Yingling of Round Lake Beach proposed to his partner during a celebration Tuesday at the Governor's Mansion. The couple has been together three years and has three children.

Yingling was one of 61 House representatives to vote for the bill. He said he and his partner will get a marriage license as soon as the law goes into effect in June.

The Democrat said he's been carrying a ring back and forth to Springfield for about a year, waiting for the chance to propose.

He said the two grew up in Illinois and wanted to get married in their home state.

Gov. Pat Quinn said
he'll sign the bill this month. Illinois will become the 15th state to allow gay marriage.

Contact Us