During a rally in Arlington Heights, Ill., Friday, two men interrupted GOP candidate Rick Santorum with shouts and a kiss. They were immediately escorted from the venue, while the crowd chanted "USA! USA!" more ›

Gov. Quinn signed the Civil Unions bill into law yesterday before a raucous and packed house at the Chicago Cultural Center, saying "We believe in civil rights, and we believe in civil unions. We believe in liberty and justice for all." The law, which goes into effect June 1, gives gay and lesbian couples (as well as straight, unmarried couples) many of the same rights as a married couple. These wide ranging rights include making health care decisions for partners; disposing of a loved one's remains; gaining accident and health insurance benefits tied to partners; and granting same-sex couples new standing in probate law and laws relating to estate succession, purchase and distribution of property. more ›

In the wake of yesterday's decision by a U.S. District judge to overturn California's controversial Proposition 8 banning gay marriage, yesterday's rally at Daley Plaza took on something of a celebratory air. Heavy rains earlier in the afternoon kept some away but a spirited crowd estimated at over 100 people - including our own Joe Erbentraut - made it out. After the rally, the crowd marched down to Grant Park at Michigan and Van Buren. Joe reports: "The mood was, besides tired from the work day, very excited, but with a "What's next?" message. Folks obviously want to see the decision upheld through the inevitable appeal process, and also were left asking: Why don't we have marriage, or even civil unions, here in Illinois? We all recognize a lot of work has yet to be done, but for now, we celebrated." more ›

We awoke to rain and thunder yesterday morning and, for just a moment, we thought it might put a damper on yesterday's Pride parade. Luckily, though, by the time the parade stepped off, the rain had moved on and the skies cleared up for a gorgeous - if somewhat hot and humid - afternoon for a fantastic parade that featured country singer Chely Wright as grand marshal and the Stanley Cup as well as dozens of floats, creative costumes, politicians (save for GOP Gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady), and a hell of a lot of fun. more ›

Obama will do nothing for gay rights in 2010, predicts Newsweek, because he would like to avoid the possibility of waging a culture war prior to midterm elections. Coming in at number 9 on its “Politics Predictions 2010” top ten list, the magazine foresees a president that will “do nada” for gay rights in the upcoming year. more ›

Under fire from gay rights group for his lack of action since his inauguration, President Barack Obama pledged yesterday to end the military's controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Of course, such a proclamation came with a caveat that likely will cause the criticism to continue: he set no specific time-table for actually ending the policy. Obama made the announcement yesterday at a fund-raiser for the Human Rights Campaign. Speaking to a crowd of 3,000 at the event, Obama said, "I will end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'; that is my commitment...I'm here with you in that fight." The frustration with Obama's lack of action has led to today's National Equality March (which also marks National Coming Out Day). If you want to join the march, you've still got time: it gets underway at 1 p.m. at Daley Plaza. Just watch out for those marathon stragglers. more ›

• Actress Alexandra Billings will be the first transgender parade marshal to lead at Sunday's Pride Parade.
• This year barricades will line the parade route to limit interaction between spectators and participants.
• For the first time ever, a Chicago public school will participate in the parade. Parents and children from Nettelhorst Elementary School in East Lakeview will be marching.

President Barack Obama will sign a presidential memorandum today to extend some benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees, but they may not include health or retirement benefits. Some gay rights activists expected Obama to make strides for gay rights this June in honor of Gay Pride Month, but they have been disappointed by the lack of movement. more ›

With all the action over Prop 8 earlier this week, we admit that we lost track of the impending deadline of HB 2234 until stalwart reader Rich reminded us of it. Also known as the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act, it would recognize the civil union of two people, regardless of sexual orientation. It would also recognize a same-sex marriage or civil union performed in another state, such as Iowa, as a civil union within Illinois. While the deadline for voting on issues in the General Assembly for this session is Sunday, this specific bill has a deadline of today. We'll be tracking it this afternoon to see what, if any, action is taken. more ›

A Chicago activist was arrested along with a large group of other protesters in Moscow on Saturday during a gay rights demonstration near Moscow State University. “If...the right to assemble is taken away from lesbian and gay people here in Russia, then other Russians have to fear for their own freedom,” said Andy Thayer, co-founder of the Gay Liberation Network here in Chicago, before police detained him according to a Tribune report. A spokesman for the Moscow police said 40 people were seized, but media reports put the number at 80. more ›

A 17-year-old girl is suing her high school in Lebanon, Indiana because they refused to let her wear a tuxedo to her high school prom. The student says she is a lesbian and doesn't wear dresses because they represent a sexual identity she rejects. The principal at the high school, located northwest of Indianapolis, claims that there is a special dress code for the prom that requires female students to wear a formal gown, but the ACLU of Indiana--which filed the claim on her behalf--say that the policy violates federal law because the school receives federal funding and because it violates her right of expression. more ›

Mayor Daley today came out against plans to open up a new high school that primarily serves lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students. This is just the latest bump in the road for Pride Campus of Social Justice High School, which would have been similar to New York's Harvey Milk High School and Milwaukee's Alliance High School. The Chicago Board of Education yesterday delayed a vote on the school until November 19. Daley, who appoints members to the school board, says he had no sway over its decision. more ›

When Chicagoist was living abroad, discussions of American politics were often the most interesting, as well as the most embarrassing. Unlike the U.S., where many people would prefer news about Brangelina to political races around the globe (or in the States, for that matter), the global media has always taken interest in American politics. This election season, the hotly contested 6th Congressional District seat has unexpectedly become an international election favorite, with reporters from Europe,... more ›