Equality in Illinois and Rhode Island?

James Scales and William Tasker became the first gay couple married at Baltimore City Hall on January 1, 2013.

On New Year's Day, gays in Maryland joined our brothers and sisters in Maine and Washington by getting legally married.  Next up, Illinois and Rhode Island.  In Illinois, lawmakers are expected to begin debate on a marriage bill as early as today.  Equality supporters have until the end of the lame duck session on January 9 to pass the bill.  Failing that, efforts will begin in the new legislature which will include a democratic super-majority.  Governor Pat Quinn, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and President Obama have endorsed marriage equality in Illinois.

In Rhode Island, Rep. Arthur Handy announced that he would introduce his marriage bill tomorrow.  If this bill becomes law, all of New England will have achieved marriage equality   Governor Lincoln Chaffee is a long-time supporter of gay equality and signed an executive order in May directing state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions.

Darcia Anthony and Danielle William were also married in Baltimore City Hall in January 1, 2013.