The Illinois Senate on Wednesday voted down a controversial measure to let faith-based groups deny same-sex couples from adopting children.
The provision, an amendment to a SB1123, a bill "concerning the rights of the blind and others," failed to get out of the Senate Executive Committee with a vote of 7 to 6. There was 1 abstention.
The amendment was sponsored by Sen. David Koehler, D-Peoria, one of the champions of the recently-passed civil unions bill. He said it was a deal he'd made so as not to "force groups to work against their beliefs."
Opponents called the amendment a direct assault on the new law, which is set to go into effect June 1.
"Who will be our next target?" said Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, one of two openly gay lawmakers in the General Assembly, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Supports said that groups that are forced to go against their beliefs may stop providing adoptions for everyone.
