Emanuel says state will legalize gay marriage, ban assault weapons
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he believes state lawmakers will legalize gay marriage and ban assault weapons — even if it’s not during the current lame-duck session.
The mayor said Friday he’s confident both measures would have passed if “everybody that was supposed to be there showed up.”
Senate Democrats delayed a floor vote Thursday on a bill to approve gay marriage because key supporters were absent. Another committee approved curbs on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines, but those bills didn’t move to the floor for action.
The House is scheduled to return to Springfield on Sunday. But Senate President John Cullerton says his chamber is unlikely to return before the session ends Jan. 9.
Emanuel says he will “not tire” in efforts to pass both bills.