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Read the press release here.

March on Springfield: Buses Still Available for Tuesday's Rally

By Erica Demarest | October 21, 2013 5:28pm
 Rainbow flags were a common sight at Pride Fest. (File Photo)
Rainbow flags were a common sight at Pride Fest. (File Photo)
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DNAinfo/Tanveer Ali

LAKEVIEW — Thousands of Illinois residents are expected to march on Springfield Tuesday as they make the case for marriage equality.

In February of this year, the Illinois Senate passed the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which would legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois. But in May, the bill stalled in the state House.

Organizers are hoping Tuesday's "March on Springfield" will pressure legislators into action. Tuesday is the first day of the fall veto session.

The rally kicks off at noon with a free concert. At 1 p.m., Gov. Pat Quinn — who has long supported statewide marriage equality — will take the stage with welcoming remarks. Organizers plan to march around the capitol, 401 S. 2nd St. in Springfield, about 2:30 p.m.

Several Chicago groups are offering free and low-cost bus trips south. Space is still available on buses leaving from the Center on Halsted, 3649 N. Halsted St., Touche, 6412 N. Clark St., and the Andersonville Starbucks, 5300 N. Clark St., among others.

A full listing of buses is available here.

"This was truly a statewide effort to march on Springfield — something that has never been done before for LGBT rights," Tracy Baim told ChicagoPride.com. Baim is the founder and editor of Windy City Times, as well as a march organizer.