Gay couple to get Illinois marriage license early

CHICAGO (AP) — A federal court ruling means a same-sex Chicago couple will be allowed to marry before the state's gay marriage law takes effect.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin on Monday ordered the Cook County clerk to issue an expedited marriage license to Vernita Gray and Patricia Ewert. Gray is terminally ill.

County Clerk David Orr said he'll comply with the order.

Illinois' gay marriage law takes effect June 1. But the gay rights group Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois filed a lawsuit seeking immediate action for Gray and Ewert. Gray has cancer in her brain and bones.

Camilla Taylor of Lambda Legal says Gray wants to marry the woman she loves before she dies.

Orr notes expedited licenses are granted to heterosexual couples in similar situations.

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The Gayly - November 26, 2013