AG to argue in favor of gay marriage

CHICAGO (AP) – The Illinois attorney general’s office has filed a notice in Cook County Circuit Court saying it will present arguments supporting two lawsuits questioning the constitutionality of the state’s gay marriage ban.

The Chicago Tribune reports that in Friday’s notice, Lisa Madigan’s office said it will “present the Court with arguments that explain why the challenged statutory provisions do not satisfy the guarantee of equality under the Illinois Constitution.”

The lawsuits brought by the American Civil Liberties Union and New York-based Lambda Legal represent 25 couples. They challenge a state law that defines marriage as between a man and woman, arguing the Illinois Constitution guarantees the right for same-sex couples to marry under due process and equality clauses.