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Springfield, Illinois — Gays and lesbians in Illinois won't get statewide civil rights this year in what some lawmakers say is the aftermath of this week's landmark same-sex marriage ruling in Massachusetts. 

A bill to protect gays and lesbians in the areas of jobs and housing was pulled from the fall agenda of the state Senate Wednesday. 

The legislation has passed the House in previous years but always was buried by Republicans who until this year controlled the Senate.  When the chamber fell into Democratic hands LGBT groups hoped the latest bill would receive a more positive reception. 

Earlier this month, Gov. Rod Blagojevich prodded Senators to get to work and pass the bill. (story)

Nevertheless it ran into a series of roadblocks.  On Wednesday, when it appeared there was not enough support for passage, Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) shelved the measure.

"You must have the votes to pass a bill," Jones said. "I strongly support the issue, but the votes aren't there at this particular point."

Supporters of the bill say part of the reason is fear of gay marriage, citing this week's court ruling in Massachusetts that ordered that state's legislature to pass a gay marriage bill within 180 days. (365gay.com story)

"It doesn't help our position," Rep. Larry McKeon (D-Chicago) told the Chicago Tribune.

"The ruling is a good thing, but the inflamed rhetoric that regenerates itself results in people being inundated with phone calls and mail and false information at times that goes against our cause," said McKeon the only out member of the legislature.

Sen. Carol Ronen (D-Chicago) also cited the Massachusetts ruling.  Ronen, who pushed for the measure in the Senate, said the Massachusetts decision served to underscore that Illinois is falling behind other states on progressive social issues.

"The Democratic Party, if we don't stand up for people's rights, who will?" Ronen said. "It's time that everybody stood up. We either stand for fairness under the law or we don't."

by Steph Smith
365Gay.com Newscenter
Chicago Bureau
©365Gay.com® 2003
This article originally appeared on 365gay.com. Republished with permission.

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