CHICAGO (AP) - Some of Illinois' top companies and executives are the latest supporters of proposed legislation legalizing gay marriage.

 

The Chicago Tribune reported Sunday (http://trib.in/VPzh3r ) that the companies and leaders will release a letter detailing their backing. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has asked CEO's to sign.

 

The newspaper reports those who've signed include Groupon and Morningstar's founder.

 

The support follows a letter from clergy members pushing for gay marriage. Also, President Barack Obama's spokesman tells the Chicago Sun-Times that if the president were an Illinois lawmaker, he'd support it.

 

State Rep. Greg Harris and state Sen. Heather Steans (STAYNZ') have said they'll call for a vote on the gay marriage bill in January. The legislation would offer same-sex couples marriage rights now only available to heterosexual couples.

 

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