Illinois became the 16th state to legalize same-sex marriage five years ago, when marriage equality legislation was signed into law on Nov. 20, 2013.

The U.S. Supreme Court did not issue its historic ruling requiring all states to issue same-sex marriage licenses until June 26, 2015. Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, a sponsor of the legislation, said public support for same-sex marriage continues to grow. “We took an important step five years ago,” Steans said. “We must ensure we do not lose ground and in fact make progress in the fi ght for full, equal rights for same-sex couples.” Don Gray, county clerk for Sangamon County, said his offi ce has issued 390 licenses for same-sex marriages since the law took effect in 2014.