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Home » E-newsletter » Archives » February 17, 2004
February 17, 2004 ACLU of Illinois E-News 02.17.04 Equal Marriage Debate Heats Up The recent decision by the highest state court in Massachusetts that the state constitution requires equality in marriage rights for same-sex couples, and the decision by San Francisco officials to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in that state has raised the volume on the public debate on this issue across the country. Here in Illinois, some state legislators are pushing amendments that would write discrimination into the Illinois Constitution. You can read more about these proposed state constitutional amendments at http://www.aclu-il.org/legislative/index.shtml. Developments such as these are one reason that YOU should be a member of the ACLU of Illinois Action Alert List. If you are not signed up as yet, send an email to ACLUofIllinois@aclu-il.org. Lobbying for Basic Rights Our allies at Equality Illinois are planning a "Lobby Day in Springfield" to give voters a chance to speak with their elected officials in the Illinois General Assembly about issues of basic fairness. As you will recall, the General Assembly adjourned last year without taking a vote on a measure that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Lobby Day is scheduled for Wednesday, March 24th, with buses leaving the North side of Chicago at 7:00 a.m. You can get more information on the event by contacting Equality Illinois at 773/477-7173. ACLU of Illinois to Host Breakfast in Washington D.C. as Part of the March for Women's Lives! The ACLU of Illinois is putting together a delegation from the state to participate in the national March for Women's Lives, scheduled for Sunday April 25th on the National Mall in Washington. We believe the March provides a critical opportunity for men, women, children and families to make clear to legislators and policy-makers in Washington that the vast majority Americans want unfettered access to a full range of health care services for women -- including abortion services. As part of this important event, the ACLU of Illinois has scheduled a pre-March breakfast with members of the Illinois congressional delegation, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Renaissance Hotel, 999 Ninth Avenue in Washington. You can learn more about the March and make reservations for the breakfast at http://www.aclu-il.org/marchforwomen/. We've Got a New (Web) Site! The ACLU of Illinois is accustomed to boasting about our work in the courts, in the legislature and in the public arena. We hope you'll forgive a bit of hubris as we celebrate our new website -- available at http://www.aclu-il.org. The new site provides a good deal more information about the ACLU of Illinois and our activities. We hope you'll bookmark the address and click back often for regular updates. |
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