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Deb Mell Speaks from Illinois House Floor


Deb Mell Speech (Screengrab) | Advocate.com

Illinois state representative Deb Mell spoke from the house floor Wednesday to announce her engagement to partner Christin Baker and encourage colleagues to support marriage equality.

Mell used a point of personal privilege to make the announcement, which she previewed Tuesday in an interview with the public television news program Chicago Tonight.

"Christin and I are going to get married in the fall of 2011 and I am afraid that we still don't have equal marriage in Illinois, so we will have to go next door to Iowa to get married," said Mell, a Democrat who represents parts of Chicago.

Recent efforts were made to legalize civil unions in Illinois, but the attempt fell short.

According to the Associated Press, "Mell's announcement was greeted with applause. Several lawmakers rose to congratulate the 41-year-old, who got engaged two weeks ago her girlfriend of six years.

Watch the video from Illinois Statehouse News below.

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Reader Comments
  • Name: james
    Date posted: 4/29/2010 12:43:19 PM
    Hometown: chicago

    Comment:

    looks to me like edwin is the idiot here. i don't really like deb mell, don't like that she supported blago and gave the excuse she had to because he is her brother-in-law; don't really like how she had no experience in government and only got elected because her dad cleared the way for her, ... but ... what she did this week was admirable. some people say there are other more important issues. sure, the state is in a mess financially but what she did does not distract any more than when other legislators introduce bills to outlaw certain types of smokes or to address 'sexting,' or the myriad of 'honors' they proclaim on the floor all the time for constituents. she has helped to keep the conversation going about marriage equality and equally important, when addressing her fellow legislators, she noted that the current governor does not think our relationships are equal -- guess you missed that, huh, edwin? i only wish more would follow her example.

  • Name: Davya
    Date posted: 4/29/2010 12:21:16 PM
    Hometown: Wynnewood, PA

    Comment:

    Edwin, while I agree with you whole-heartedly, it is language like that that allows for extremist interpretation.

  • Name: Laurie B
    Date posted: 4/29/2010 10:32:05 AM
    Hometown: Kittery Point, ME

    Comment:

    Plus, Edwin, a "dike" is a structure that controls the flow of water. "Dyke" is a term that lesbians may or may not choose to use among themselves, reclaiming the derogatory as many other minorities sometimes choose to do with the epithets of bigotry served up by fine citizens like yourself.

  • Name: Cori
    Date posted: 4/29/2010 10:13:28 AM
    Hometown: Roanoke

    Comment:

    Pardon me, but I cannot imgaine what has gotten into you. First of all, do not address her in such a manner. That word is disrespectful and you should know it. There is nothing wrong with this woman getting married! Yes, she is a politician who should work for whatever she deems true and right. However, she is still a person who simply wants to have a happy, fulfilling life. I am greatly disappointed in you as a reader and self-identified activist for trying to deny her happiness.

  • Name: Edwin
    Date posted: 4/29/2010 9:58:26 AM
    Hometown: Chicago

    Comment:

    I guess Deb will be trying to get re-elected again using equal rights as a platform. Unfortunately her and her entire family are responsible for holding those same rights as well as the rights of heterosexual’s to fare government and consideration hostage so they can contain and manipulate our vote. Hey Deb you really want to help the plight of the Gay people, and the rest of the Illinois taxpayers? Then start by addressing political corruption in Illinois, so our government can go back to the work of the people. Your so-called efforts for equal rights only add insult to injury as far as I am concerned! Our gay brothers and sisters deserve better than two crooked dikes doing nothing more than protecting their own interest in the name of justice. Deb you must think you are still related to the Governor? Get a life, get out of the media, and do your darn job Deb; that will do more for the gay people than 2 dikes chasing media bites to distract the people from the real issues you idiot.



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