News

This morning, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel sent the below message to supporters of the freedom to marry in Illinois:

Here in Illinois, we’ve always taken the lead. 

In 2011, it was supporters like you who led the charge in urging our General Assembly to extend basic rights to same-sex couples by passing civil unions. Because as our nation has struggled to ensure equality for all, it’s Illinoisans who have stood at the forefront.

Now, two years later, as support for the freedom to marry escalates to record-levels around the country, Illinois can take the lead once again by securing marriage for all loving couples in our state -- as soon as this week.

The clock is ticking. The House is poised to vote on the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act in the coming days. And I know from talking with several of my friends in Springfield that some members of the House still haven’t decided which way they’ll vote.

If we’re going to pass this bill, it’s crucial that members of the House hear from marriage supporters every single day until the freedom to marry becomes law in Illinois. Click here to send a message to your Representative now.

I’ve spent a lot of time in politics. And no matter where I’ve served -- Congress, the Obama Administration, or as the Mayor of the great city of Chicago -- one principle has always remained true: Real change happens when citizens stand strong, tell their stories, and urge their lawmakers to do what’s right.

Illinoisans want all loving couples in our state to be able to share in the freedom to marry -- the latest polls show that voters support this legislation by a 21-point margin. It’s time for the laws of our state to reflect the values of our people. It’s time for Illinois to take the lead.

Tell your Representative that Illinois supports marriage equality. Click here to urge the House to pass SB10 and extend marriage to all Illinois families.

What happens in the next week is up to you. Let’s do what it takes to bring home a victory for the thousands of Illinois families who are counting on us right now.

Onward,

Rahm Emanuel
Mayor, City of Chicago