June 7, 2004
Dear ACLU of Illinois Action Alert Member,

The Chicago City Council currently is considering a resolution calling on Congress to reject the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA), a measure that seeks to write discrimination against same sex marriage into our Constitution. The FMA would bar any state government from interpreting its own Constitution to support marriage or marriage benefits for loving, same-sex couples to enjoy the benefits and privileges extended by government to married couples. As a result, millions of gay and lesbian couples who are in committed, long-term relationships will suffer financial penalties, be denied death and survivor benefits for their partners and even be denied access to a love one when they are in the hospital. You can learn more about the FMA by going to http://www.aclu.org/LesbianGayRights/LesbianGayRightslist.cfm?c=278.

We hope you will make your voice heard on this critical issue! Contact your Alderman and let them know that you support the resolution opposing the FMA. If you do not know your Alderman, or their contact information, you can learn more at http://www.ci.chi.il.us/CityCouncil/.

Further Info

--Members of the City Council who already have signed on in support of the Resolution include (the Alderman’s ward is listed in parenthesis): Tunney (44); Burke (14); Flores (1); Colon (35) and Mell (33).

-- Members who have not signed on as co-sponsors include: Tillman (3); Beavers (7); Beale (9); Olivo (13); Coleman (16); Thomas (17); Murphy (18); Rugai (19); Troutman (20); Zalewski (23); Chandler (24); Burnett (27); Smith (28); Carothers (29); Reboyras (30); Suarez (31); Matlak (32); Austin (34); Banks (36); Mitts (37); Allen (38); Laurino (39); Doherty (41); and Levar (45). It is critically important that these members hear from constituents opposed to the FMA.