Judge Rules Gay Couples in Cook County, Ill. Can Start Marrying

Illinois' largest county doesn't have to wait until the law goes into effect

For gay couples hoping to marry in Illinois' Cook County, the days of waiting are finally over.

U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman issued a federal order Friday stating that gay couples in the state's largest county, which includes Chicago, shouldn't have to keep their nuptials on hold until June 1, when Illinois' marriage equality law goes into effect. In compliance with that ruling, Cook County Clerk David Orr announced he would start issuing marriage licenses immediately to same-sex couples, who would be able to wed as early as Saturday.