Lazaro and Matos v. Orr - Freedom to Marry in Illinois
What's at Stake
On behalf of nine Illinois couples seeking recognition for their shared love and commitment, the American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Illinois have filed a lawsuit to challenge the constitutionality of Illinois' law that denies gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry. Currently, Illinois law excludes gay and lesbian couples from the recognition and protections that come with the universally recognized relationship status of marriage, and limits them instead to a separate civil union status.
Summary
A number of the plaintiffs sought a civil union after they were available in 2011, although some chose to wait for marriage. In the complaint, these couples describe how it feels to be relegated to a legal status that sends the message that the state regards their relationships as inferior. Couples also report the multiple ways in which they are reminded that many people do not understand civil unions, nor do they afford civil unions the same respect as marriage.
In a separate case filed on the same day, Lambda Legal is representing 16 same-sex couples seeking the freedom to marry. The coordinated cases signal the organizations' shared commitment to ensure that the government treats all families fairly.
The ACLU and the ACLU of Illinois are assisted in the lawsuit by the Chicago office of Mayer Brown.
Legal Documents
-
06/14/2012
Lazaro and Matos v. Orr - Defendant's Answer to Complaint for Declaratory Judgment and Injunctive Relief
Date Filed: 06/14/2012
Affiliate: Illinois
-
06/13/2012
Lazaro and Matos v. Orr - Motion to Consolidate Cases
Date Filed: 06/13/2012
Affiliate: Illinois
-
06/13/2012
Lazaro and Matos v. Orr - Order Granting State's Petition to Intervene
Date Filed: 06/13/2012
Affiliate: Illinois
-
06/01/2012
Lazaro and Matos v. Orr - State's Petition to Intervene
Date Filed: 06/01/2012
Affiliate: Illinois
-
05/30/2012
Lazaro and Matos v. Orr β Complaint
Date Filed: 05/30/2012
Affiliate: Illinois
-
03/29/2013
Lazaro and Matos v. Orr β Plaintiffs' Memo in Opposition to Intervenor-Defendants' Motion to Dismiss
Date Filed: 03/29/2013
Affiliate: Illinois
-
03/29/2013
Lazaro and Matos v. Orr β Plaintiffs' Motion and Notice of Motion for Leave to File Brief in Excess of Fifteen Page, Instanter
Date Filed: 03/29/2013
Affiliate: Illinois
-
03/29/2013
Lazaro and Matos v. Orr β Plaintiffs' Memo in Opposition to Intervenor-Defendants' Motion to Dismiss, Exhibit A
Date Filed: 03/29/2013
Affiliate: Illinois
-
03/29/2013
Lazaro and Matos v. Orr β Plaintiffs' Memo in Opposition to Intervenor-Defendants' Motion to Dismiss, Exhibit B
Date Filed: 03/29/2013
Affiliate: Illinois
-
03/29/2013
Lazaro and Matos v. Orr β Memo of the State of Illinois in Opposition to Intervenor-Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Complaint
Date Filed: 03/29/2013
Affiliate: Illinois
-
02/21/2014
Lazaro and Matos v. Orr - Order
Date Filed: 02/21/2014
Affiliate: Illinois
