State House and Senate Candidates Talk Gay Marriage

With an increasing number of states passing gay marriage laws and Illinois' recent , the topic of gay marriage is a much talked about one in state legislatures across the country.

In a candidate forum sponsored by the Palos-Orland League of Women Voters on Monday, candidates shared their views on the issue.

(D-Chicago): Says the issue is not her focus, but she does have a gay relative and, "would hate to deny her the right to marry."

 (D-Chicago): "Due to his faith," he does not support same-sex marriage. 

Andrew Byrne Hodorowicz (D-Palos Heights): He is focused on the state's finances and would not support anything that adds costs for the state.  

(R-Orland Park): "No. I do not support it."

(R-Orland Park): "I do not support gay marriage." Fernandez added that civil unions make sense, especially when medical and visitation issues are at stake. 

Barbara Bellar (R-Burr Ridge): Did not attend

Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago): Did not attend

Click on the candidates' names for their answers to the full Patch Election Questionnaire and more information about their background. 

Do you believe Illinois should recognize same-sex marriages?