Posted on 02/22/2007 10:22:33 PM PST by TheEaglehasLanded
The Democrats have huge majorities in both houses and the Governor so who knows? At least this isn't the court telling the legislature to pass. Call your reps and tell them your position.
I thought we had already passed a law defining 'marriage' as between a man and a woman.
Maybe I was dreaming.
Legislation backs same-sex marriage
By DOUG FINKE
STATE CAPITOL BUREAU
Published Thursday, February 22, 2007
A Chicago Democrat wants Illinois to be the second state to legalize gay marriages.
State Rep. Greg Harris plans to introduce legislation today that will permit same-sex couples to get married. Although four states recognize civil unions among gays, only Massachusetts provides for gay marriages.
"It would extend the same rights and obligations of marriage to same-sex couples in Illinois as are previously enjoyed, or not enjoyed, by heterosexual couples," Harris said. "If you look at recent polls ... people of Illinois very thoroughly understand that same-sex couples deserve the same rights and benefits" as heterosexual couples.
David Smith, executive director of the Illinois Family Institute, disagreed.
"I don't think it's going to fly. I think the people of Illinois made it clear during the petition drive," Smith said.
The Illinois Family Institute spearheaded an effort last year to place a referendum on the November ballot asking voters if they wanted the state Constitution amended to ban gay marriage. Although well over 300,000 signatures were gathered, state elections officials determined that not enough of them were valid to allow the measure on the ballot.
A poll last summer showed that 40 percent of Illinoisans supported the proposed constitutional amendment. The same poll indicated 51 percent were opposed to gay marriages.
"There's enough interest in not having marriage devolve into something other than one man and one woman," Smith said. "I don't think there is that much interest in the gay community for marriage. They don't want to be like everyone else."
Harris, who is gay and represents a district with a large homosexual population, acknowledged that pushing for legalized gay marriages rather than civil unions will be controversial.
"It is undoubtedly true that the word 'marriage' is a very emotionally charged term, so there may have to be some negotiations on that," he said. "From my community, we believe we should have the full, equal rights as our heterosexual siblings to marry who we choose, and we should call it marriage. We should not call it civil union."
"We understand the uncomfortableness people have with the 'm' word," said Rick Garcia of the gay rights organization Equality Illinois. "We hope this will start a discussion and dialogue about the needs of same-sex couples."
Illinois law currently prohibits gay marriages. Harris' bill, if passed, would nullify that law.
Harris said his bill also spells out that religious organizations opposed to same-sex unions will not be required to marry gay couples.
"We want to make it very clear we are not forcing any faith-based organization to act outside of their faith and traditions," he said. "If your faith did not believe in same-sex marriage, you would not be required to consecrate those."
In 2005, the General Assembly added gays and lesbians to the groups protected under the state's Human Rights Act that prohibits discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodation and credit based on race, gender, age, marital status, religion or disability. The act does not address issues such as inheritance rights, pension benefits and the power to make medical decisions.
"If you were in a same-sex relationship and your partner was hit by a car and in the intensive care unit, you have no legal right to be by his side. Married couples have that right," Harris said. "If your partner were to die, you have no legal authority about the disposition of remains. There are the pension benefits, adoption rights and protection of families that are at stake here."
House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, has not taken a position on the bill, said his spokesman, Steve Brown.
"That issue has not been one vigorously discussed in Illinois," Brown said.
A spokeswoman for Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, said he would withhold comment until a bill emerges from the House, if it does.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Rod Blagojevich did not return a call seeking comment. However, Blagojevich was quoted last year as saying he is opposed to gay marriage, although not to civil unions.
Civil unions are recognized in New Jersey, Vermont and Connecticut. California also recognizes civil unions, although they are called domestic partnerships.
Doug Finke can be reached at 788-1527 or doug.finke@sj-r.com.
'expletive' No they should not.
F A G S !!
Look out, here she comes...
I'm shocked that he's from Chicago...
We were working on a referendum for the last election. Over 300,000 signatures were collected, which were enough, but the signatures were challenged for 'Registered Voter Authenticity'.
Cities rule the world. They always have.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.