Opponents in Gay Marriage Fight Gear Up

Illinois Legislature's fall session begins Tuesday

Opponents and supporters of same-sex marriage are gearing up for another push in the Illinois Legislature.

Supporters are planning a march and rally in Springfield on Tuesday, the first day of the Legislature's fall session. Gov. Pat Quinn and other lawmakers who support legislation legalizing same-sex marriage are expected to participate.

Buses supplied by the Human Rights Campaign, Equality Illinois and others are scheduled to depart the Chicago area early Tuesday, according to a group on Facebook.

Opponents have scheduled a prayer rally at the Capitol on Wednesday. A group of African American clergy who oppose the measure also recorded radio ads in which they urge listeners to call lawmakers and tell them to vote no.

"We stand united with our brothers and sisters of the Catholic faith and Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in our joint opposition to any deviation from traditional marriages of male and female, notwithstanding the rulings of the court systems of the land or acts of legislative bodies in support of same-sex "marriage,'" Bishop Larry Trotter said in a written statement.

The Illinois Senate approved the legislation in February. The spring session ended without a House vote, after the bill's sponsor said he didn't have the support to pass it.

It's unclear if a vote will occur during the fall session.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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