200 clergy and faith leaders endorse Illinois gay marriage bill
Mon. December 24, 2012 2:49 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
Chicago, IL -
Momentum for marriage equality in Illinois continues to grow as more than 200 Illinois clergy and faith leaders have endorsed same-sex marriage legislation that could come up for a vote in Springfield before Jan. 9.
The group declared its support on Sunday in an open letter urging lawmakers to give gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry, contending the bill's passage would strengthen communities and protect families.
"Standing on these beliefs, we think that it is morally just to grant equal opportunities and responsibilities to loving, committed same-sex couples," the coalition stated in a joint letter. "There can be no justification for the law treating people differently on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity."
In February, State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), along with two other openly gay representatives, Deb Mell (D-Chicago) and Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), introduced the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act (HB 5170), which would give gay and lesbian couples in Illinois the freedom to marry.
Harris recently said, "The timing is right for us to push this."
The Illinois marriage bill states that every church and religious group will make its own decisions about whether to allow same-sex couples to marry in their faith.
"There are differences among our many religious traditions. Some recognize and bless same-sex unions, and some do not. The important thing is that the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act protects religious freedom and guarantees that all faiths will decide which marriages should be consecrated and solemnized within their tradition," the coalition's letter states.
The support from faith leaders comes at a time of increased support for marriage equality in the United States. In Illinois, a Paul Simon Public Policy Institute poll found the number of people who support same-sex marriage has increased by ten points in two years, while the percentage of those opposing recognition of gay unions has plummeted. A privately commissioned poll from May 2012 found that 54% of Illinoisans support marriage for gays and lesbians, compared to 40% opposed.
"As people of faith and as citizens of Illinois, we ask you to stand for freedom for all of our citizens and to support the freedom to marry. It's not only a matter of equality – it's a matter of conscience and justice," the coalition's letter concludes.
On the web: IllinoisUnites.org
Special Report: Illinois takes more steps toward marriage equality
Related coverage:
Momentum for gay marriage brings together new Illinois coalition
Bar Association backs gay marriage in Illinois
Chicago Sun-Times: Legalize gay marriage now
The group declared its support on Sunday in an open letter urging lawmakers to give gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry, contending the bill's passage would strengthen communities and protect families.
"Standing on these beliefs, we think that it is morally just to grant equal opportunities and responsibilities to loving, committed same-sex couples," the coalition stated in a joint letter. "There can be no justification for the law treating people differently on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity."
In February, State Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), along with two other openly gay representatives, Deb Mell (D-Chicago) and Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), introduced the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act (HB 5170), which would give gay and lesbian couples in Illinois the freedom to marry.
Harris recently said, "The timing is right for us to push this."
The Illinois marriage bill states that every church and religious group will make its own decisions about whether to allow same-sex couples to marry in their faith.
"There are differences among our many religious traditions. Some recognize and bless same-sex unions, and some do not. The important thing is that the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act protects religious freedom and guarantees that all faiths will decide which marriages should be consecrated and solemnized within their tradition," the coalition's letter states.
The support from faith leaders comes at a time of increased support for marriage equality in the United States. In Illinois, a Paul Simon Public Policy Institute poll found the number of people who support same-sex marriage has increased by ten points in two years, while the percentage of those opposing recognition of gay unions has plummeted. A privately commissioned poll from May 2012 found that 54% of Illinoisans support marriage for gays and lesbians, compared to 40% opposed.
"As people of faith and as citizens of Illinois, we ask you to stand for freedom for all of our citizens and to support the freedom to marry. It's not only a matter of equality – it's a matter of conscience and justice," the coalition's letter concludes.
On the web: IllinoisUnites.org
Special Report: Illinois takes more steps toward marriage equality
Related coverage:
Momentum for gay marriage brings together new Illinois coalition
Bar Association backs gay marriage in Illinois
Chicago Sun-Times: Legalize gay marriage now