A letter calling for marriage equality in Illinois from members of Congress.
Members of Illinois’ congressional delegation are calling on state legislators to pass a bill legalizing same-sex marriage.
The Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act has passed the state Senate and a House committee, but has not been voted on in the House, where 60 members need to say “yes.”
On letterhead from U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley’s office, the congressional members say the bill “will strengthen Illinois families by allowing individuals who love each other to enter into the joys and benefits of a legal marriage.”
Signers include Democrats Quigley, Danny K. Davis, Luis Gutierrez, Jan Schakowsky, Tammy Duckworth, Brad Schneider and Bill Foster.
They wrote, “For many years, we have fought together for what we believed was in the best interests of our districts, our state and our country. You have the chance to provide recognition as well as basic legal protections to all Illinois families across our state.”
The marriage equality bill also has received endorsements from major newspapers in Illinois, as well as business and faith-based coalitions.
