Letter to the Editor: Illinois gay marriage the time is now
Sun. January 22, 2012 4:38 PM
Letter to the Editor
Illinois Gay Marriage the time is Now
Currently discussion is under way among state representatives Greg Harris, Deb Mell, Kelly Cassidy, Ann Williams, Sara Feigenholtz and state senator Heather Steans. While I think these individuals and those they are outreaching to concerning talks about strategy are prudent and necessary I think there is a whole group of Gay and Lesbians that may be overlooked, and unheard in these partisan political discussions, and those are the individuals who would directly be affected by Gay Marriage.
The discussion and primary strategy for introducing the legislation as I understand it appears to be based on the reelection of Democrats to both the Illinois House and Senate. So the priority appears to be getting democrats reelected, and not getting Gay Marriage passed.
I understand that while DOMA is in place we will continue to be denied full Marriage Equality even it is passed here in Illinois. It is important that we do not link Marriage Equality to any single political party; indeed if we are going to build a national consensus around this issue patrician politics should not be driving Marriage Equality strategy.
Marriage Equality in Illinois appears to have taken the back seat to the elections in 2012. Some politicians want safety when they stand up for gay marriage, and I understand that, but is that the type of leadership we need right now on the issue of marriage equality? Or should we expect more?
I also understand the current gay political climate might not welcome voices that differ. My authority to speak out on this issue does not come from a political role, but from my own authenticity as a gay man, and the relationship of trust and genuine concern that allows one to speak not only words of encouragement, but also words of challenge.
Joe Murray
Executive Director
Rainbow Sash Movement
Illinois Gay Marriage the time is Now
Currently discussion is under way among state representatives Greg Harris, Deb Mell, Kelly Cassidy, Ann Williams, Sara Feigenholtz and state senator Heather Steans. While I think these individuals and those they are outreaching to concerning talks about strategy are prudent and necessary I think there is a whole group of Gay and Lesbians that may be overlooked, and unheard in these partisan political discussions, and those are the individuals who would directly be affected by Gay Marriage.
The discussion and primary strategy for introducing the legislation as I understand it appears to be based on the reelection of Democrats to both the Illinois House and Senate. So the priority appears to be getting democrats reelected, and not getting Gay Marriage passed.
I understand that while DOMA is in place we will continue to be denied full Marriage Equality even it is passed here in Illinois. It is important that we do not link Marriage Equality to any single political party; indeed if we are going to build a national consensus around this issue patrician politics should not be driving Marriage Equality strategy.
Marriage Equality in Illinois appears to have taken the back seat to the elections in 2012. Some politicians want safety when they stand up for gay marriage, and I understand that, but is that the type of leadership we need right now on the issue of marriage equality? Or should we expect more?
I also understand the current gay political climate might not welcome voices that differ. My authority to speak out on this issue does not come from a political role, but from my own authenticity as a gay man, and the relationship of trust and genuine concern that allows one to speak not only words of encouragement, but also words of challenge.
Joe Murray
Executive Director
Rainbow Sash Movement