Pending legislation protects religious freedom, gives same-sex couples freedom to marry
The three founding organizations of Illinois Unites for Marriage believe that all Illinoisans deserve a statewide policy of fairness, dignity and equal treatment. Nine states plus the District of Columbia have already given same-sex couples the freedom to marry: Iowa, Washington, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Maryland.
Illinois Unites for Marriage has launched a website, www.illinoisunites.org, with information about the bill and about how citizens can make their voices heard and organizations can express their support. Organizations supporting the freedom to marry for same-sex couples include:
Affinity Community Services
African American Lesbian Professionals Having a Say
AIDS Foundation of Chicago
All Saints Social Justice Circle
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31
Association of Latino Men for Action (ALMA)
Anti-Defamation League
Chicago Bar Association
Chicago House
Chicago Jobs with Justice
The Civil Rights Agenda
Equality Illinois
Freedom to Marry
Howard Brown Health Center
Human Rights Campaign
Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (ICAAP)
Illinois Department of Human Rights
Illinois State Bar Association
Lambda Legal
PFLAG Belleville
PFLAG Bloomington/Normal
PFLAG Northern Illinois Council (14 Chapters)
Prairie Pride Coalition
Quad Citians Affirming Diversity
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare IL and IN
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 73
United Electrical Workers, Western Region