Marriage Equality Demonstration in Algonquin Friday 5-6

A press release from the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation of McHenry:

Marriage Equality Supporters to Resume Road Side Vigils in Algonquin

The demonstration will be across from Tyvak Towers.

The demonstration will be across from Tyvak Towers at the intersection of Routes 62 and 31.

McHenry—Members of

  • the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry
  • Parents and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
  • Fortunate Families, a Catholic family group

will once again be holding a silent roadside vigil in support of Marriage Equality in Illinois.

They will gather from 5 to 6 pm on Friday, September 20 in Algonquin at the southeast corner of Main Street (Rt. 31) and Algonquin Road (Rt. 62.)

Last May 31 sponsors of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act in the Illinois House unexpectedly withdrew the bill for a vote on the final day of the regular spring session.

The measure had already overwhelmingly passed the Senate and had the support of Governor Pat Quinn.

Leaders said House members asked them for time to consult their constituents, but pledged to return for a vote in the November veto session.

Patrick Murfin, Social Justice Committee chair of the Tree of Life Congregation said,

“Over the last months Rhode Island, Maryland, and Minnesota have all approved Marriage Equality legislation. It is on the fast track in others. In Illinois polling shows a majority of voters support it by a widening margin.”

Last spring vigils were held in Woodstock, McHenry, and Crystal Lake.

“We got overwhelmingly positive reactions in each of those cities and members of the public parked their cars to join us,” Murfin said. “It is particularly important for legislators to know that not all religious communities and individuals oppose civil marriage for all. Many religious voices join us in Standing on the Side of Love.”

Anyone can join the vigil.

Volunteers are urged to bring their own signs and maintain a thoughtful and respectful attitude.

For more information contact Patrick Murfin, 815 814-5645 or e-mail pmurfin@sbcglobal.net.


Comments

Marriage Equality Demonstration in Algonquin Friday 5-6 — 6 Comments

  1. Unless these folks are referring to familial marriage or polygamy, we already have “marriage equality” in Illinois.

    The protesters can read Illinois law and save themselves some time and effort:

    (750 ILCS 75/20)
    Sec. 20. Protections, obligations, and responsibilities. A party to a civil union is entitled to the same legal obligations, responsibilities, protections, and benefits as are afforded or recognized by the law of Illinois to spouses, whether they derive from statute, administrative rule, policy, common law, or any other source of civil or criminal law.
    (Source: P.A. 96-1513, eff. 6-1-11.)

  2. This is all fine and dandy, the only ones who will benefit in the long run will be the Attorneys . . . more conflict and court time.

  3. Shawn — sorry, but a civil union lacks many of the benefits that would come with marriage, specifically in terms of federal benefits.

    Those in IL with a civil union, rather than a marriage, lack access to thinks like veterans benefits, estate transfers, federal income taxes, FMLA, immigration rights, and many, many more. In fact, there are more than 1,000 benefits that married couples can access that those in a civil union cannot.

    So no, same sex couples absolutely do not have access to marriage equality.

  4. Fine and dandy not exactly my thoughts.

    I am astonished at the rate humans continue to hurtle themselves into the abyss.

    When will we learn?

  5. So “because other states are doing it, Illinois should also” is the reason for marriage equity?

    Does that argument work when you child comes to you advocating for a cell phone at the age of 8 — because some of their friends have them.

    The concept of Lemming Decision Making just doesn’t fly with me. Move to those states and get on with your life.

  6. Exactly!

    That’s the point of our “united states” in the first place.

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