ILLINOIS CLERGY URGE PASSAGE OF CIVIL UNION BILL

ILLINOIS CLERGY URGE PASSAGE OF CIVIL UNION BILL

SPRINGFIELD, IL - More than 150 clergy signed a letter urging the Illinois House of Representatives to pass a civil union bill which would give recognition and legal protections to same-sex couples. The clergy represent a variety of mainstream denominations throughout the State of Illinois and the letter was organized by Allied for Equality a joint project of Equality Illinois and Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG).

"We want to promote the common good -- what is best for individuals, couples, families, children and society," the clergy stated in their letter. "As people of faith and citizens of Illinois we ask you to stand for the freedom of all our citizens and support the civil union bill. It is not only a matter of equality it is a matter of conscience and justice."

The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act was introduced by Representative Greg Harris (D-Ravenswood). The bill is on third reading and could come up for a vote before the full House at any time.

Rev. Dr Ruth Meyers, Professor of Liturgics at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Evanston and Deputy to the Episcopal Church Convention, Rev. Marti Scott, Oak Park's Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church, Rev. Sam Foskey, UCC Church of the Good Shepherd in Carbondale and Rev. Suzanne Anderson-Hurdle, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Romeoville are among the signers and spokespersons.

The signers noted that "there are differences among our many religious traditions. Some recognize and bless same-sex unions and some do not. The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act reaffirms the Constitutional guarantee that no religious denomination would be compelled or forced to solemnize any relationship that is outside its faith tradition. It gives legal recognition and protections to loving, committed couples".

"Opponents of the civil union bill have tried to portray it as anti-religious or hurtful to religious institutions," said Rick Garcia director of public policy of Equality Illinois, a statewide gay civil rights organization. "This is not the case. People of faith throughout our state, as this letter demonstrates, support equal treatment under the law for our gay and lesbian neighbors, families and friends."

The full letter and list of signers is available by calling Caroline Staerk, Allied for Equality, 773-477-7173 or by emailing cstaerk@eqil.com.