"All the rights that you get as a married couple, we get now. And I think it just validates our relationship," said Bernard Bartilad, same-sex marriage supporter.
Bernard Bartilad and Michael Herman have already picked a wedding date, the anniversary of their civil union.
"Our son said we have to get married on the fourth Monday of August, so we'll see. Maybe that will be the day," said Michael Herman, same-sex marriage supporter.
The mayor offered congratulations at Sidetrack Bar on North Halsted.
"When two adults love each other, the state should embrace that rather than stand in the way," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
"We can finally move forward as equals, and it's just an amazing feeling," said Annemarie Massicotte, same-sex marriage supporter.
But the bill's opponents had a different take. The Thomas More society saying it was, ". . . regrettable that Illinois legislators have now purported to redefine marriage as something different from the union of one man and one woman. . ."
The Catholic Conference of Illinois said the bill ". . .undermines an institution that is the cornerstone of a healthy society. . ."
Same-sex marriage supporters are planning more celebrations this week, including a large rally at this very corner, Halsted and Roscoe, Thursday night.
