Media Contact
Rick Garcia, Policy Advisor
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gay Marriage Momentum Lends Hand to Illinois
November 8, 2012 • Chicago, IL – The Civil Rights Agenda (TCRA), Illinois’ leading statewide Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) civil rights advocacy and policy organization, is encouraged to learn that Washington, Maine, Maryland and Minnesota passed their equal marriage measures by a vote of their citizens. These wins signal it is time for Illinois to pass the Equal Marriage legislation that is before the General Assembly. We have recently learned that Illinois State Representative Greg Harris, who introduced the equal marriage legislation, is looking to push the bill during either the veto or spring sessions. This bill would make marriage legal for Illinois’ same-gender couples.
“This is an historic moment because this marks the first time that marriage equality was passed by a popular vote,” said Rick Garcia, Director of the Equal Marriage Illinois Project. “The passage of these measures shows that mainstream America has turned a corner with regards to LGBT civil rights. It is also a testament to the momentum behind marriage equality that the first sitting U.S. President to support marriage equality, Barack Obama, has been re-elected to a second term. These advances demonstrate that the time is right for gay marriage in Illinois. Although civil unions give many of the same benefits as marriage, it is clear that it is a different and discriminatory institution. Most people don't even know what a civil union is. People know what marriage is, and same-gender couples deserve the same rights and responsibilities as opposite-gender couples. Separate is not equal.”
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About Equal Marriage Illinois Project
This project seeks to gain equal marriage rights for same-gender couples in Illinois through the legislative process. The Equal Marriage Illinois Project is a project of The Civil Rights Agenda.
About The Civil Rights Agenda
The Civil Rights Agenda (TCRA) continues the fight for individual rights through coalition building and leadership, supporting communities with the necessary tools that will equip them with the resources and confidence to establish equality for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Please find us online at www.jointcra.org or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
