All posts for the month April, 2013

Illinois Unites Thanks Congressman and Civil Rights Hero John Lewis for Supporting the Freedom to Marry

The Illinois Unites for Marriage Coalition expressed its heartfelt thanks to U.S. Congressman John Lewis (D-Ga.) today, shortly after the Congressional and civil rights leader issued a strong public statement in support of marriage equality.

Illinois Unites Celebrates Historic Week for Equal Marriage

In a major national legislative victory that moves another U.S. state closer to equal treatment for all families, the Rhode Island Senate voted yesterday to approve the freedom to marry for same-sex couples.

Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Chair Signs on As Co-Sponsor of Freedom to Marry Legislation

As a final vote in the Illinois House of Representatives draws closer, the leader of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus announced today his signing on as one of the chief co-sponsors of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan: “I Do,” to Marriage Equality

In 2011, when the General Assembly passed the law allowing civil unions, Illinois took an important step forward to recognize that gay and lesbian couples have the right to build lives together and create strong, loving families.

NAACP Backs Gay Marriage in Illinois

The NAACP came out today in support of gay marriage in Illinois with the Illinois State Conference President George P. Mitchell noting: "The NAACP was founded 104 years ago in response to the continuing horrific practice of lynching and the 1908 race riot in Springfield."

GOP State Lawmakers Backs Same-Sex Marriage Bill

State Rep. Ed Sullivan Jr. of Mundelein said Sunday he will support a bill to allow gay marriage in Illinois, becoming the second House Republican to do so and first among leadership.

African-American Clergy Urge Immediate Passage of Marriage Equality Legislation in Illinois

s the final vote in the Illinois House of Representatives approaches, African-American faith leaders gathered today to urge legislators to pass the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, saying “we should treat all families with equity and respect and the Illinois legislature should act now.”

Chicago Sun-Times: Gay Marriage Support About Civil Rights, Not Religion, Pastor Says

Thirteen Chicago-area black pastors on Thursday voiced their support for gay marriage in Illinois, saying the issue is about civil rights and not about religion.

AP: Clergy Members Amp up Support of Gay Marriage

Advocates of same-sex marriage in Illinois turned up the pressure on state lawmakers Thursday as a group of black Chicago-area clergy members cast their support, calling it a bold step forward for equality - even in the face of potential backlash from colleagues and congregants.