SPRINGFIELD – The showdown in Illinois over same-sex marriage is largely symbolic. Most of the rights afforded to gay couples by legislation pending in Springfield already are guaranteed under the state’s “civil unions” law.

But if the General Assembly approves the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act next week – as now seems likely, after a committee victory Thursday – such unions will be called marriages.

Some opposing religious leaders warn of a violation of “natural order.” Some supportive African-American leaders see in the issue an echo of old debates over interracial marriage.