Gov. Quinn to use Lincoln desk to sign gay marriage bill

When Gov. Pat Quinn signs a landmark law allowing same-sex marriage in the state, he’ll be incorporating a piece of Illinois history.

Quinn will sign the legislation at a desk once used by President Abraham Lincoln. According to the event’s program, the desk was where Lincoln penned his 1861 inaugural address.

The governor’s office said Wednesday that the desk is being transported to Chicago for the bill signing from the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office in Springfield. That’s a state historic site where Lincoln practiced law from 1843 until about 1852.

Quinn’s office didn’t immediately have a cost estimate on transporting the desk for the day.

Thousands are expected to attend Wednesday’s bill signing.

Illinois will become the 16th state to allow same-sex marriage. The bill goes into effect June 1.