Chairman of House Republican Campaign Organization Backs Same-Sex Marriage

By Jeffrey Knipmeyer on April 22, 2013

As reported in The Chicago Tribune, the first Illinois House Republican among leadership and the second overall, State Representative Ed Sullivan Jr., said Sunday that he is in support of the bill allowing same-sex marriages in the state.

Sullivan told reporters that he believes there is significant momentum leading up to the vote on same-sex marriage.  He said he heard several of his Republican colleagues discuss same-sex marriage, calling passage of the bill the right step to take.  The issue, according to Sullivan, is one of fairness—marriage equality.  He said that he thinks the bill corresponds to his party’s belief in treating all people fairly.  He believes even more of his Republican House colleagues will become supporters of the bill.  There are 47 Republicans serving in the Illinois House.

For Illinois Republicans, the issue of same-sex marriage has been an extremely controversial one.  When state GOP Chair Pat Brady attempted to convince legislators to pass the bill, conservatives tried to get him removed from his position by saying those views were in conflict with the Illinois Republican platform in opposition to gay marriage.

State Representative Sullivan, who previously opposed civil unions, has acknowledged to Tribune reporters that his mother-in-law is living in a same-sex relationship.  He said his support for the same-sex marriage bill is not just because of his mother-in-law, but her relationship has provided him insight, understanding, and familiarity with the issue of marriage equality.  He now believes the issue is in line with the conservative idea of treating everyone equally.

At the Chicago family law firm of Nottage and Ward, our attorneys have been providing our clients legal advice since 1988.  We answer questions pertaining to family law and civil unions regardless of couples’ living arrangements.  We are knowledgeable and experienced at handling negotiation and litigation of complex family law matters.  Please call (312) 332-2915 or complete our online contact form to ask questions or set up an appointment with us.