Illinois Should Emulate Iowa & VT - - -

...or our Illinois politicians should get out of the way.

Iowa and Vermont Show Momentum for Marriage Equality:

Let's Press on For More Victories!!

Back in early March when the California Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case challenging the Proposition 8, things did not look good for pro-gay forces.

GLN permalink posted April 8, 2009

All honest observers on our side agreed that the tenor of the justices' questions indicated that they were unlikely to junk the anti-gay initiative and uphold the notion that in a true democracy, minority rights must be respected.

That was then. This is now. In the wake of the Iowa court's courageous action for equal marriage rights on Friday, and now, the Vermont legislature's over-riding their anti-gay governor, there is real political momentum which could prompt the California court to rule in our favor.

While justices often pretend that they rule only on the narrow merits of law and precedent, the reality is that they often respond to political pressure. Iowa and Vermont have each given us powerful assists in this.

Now it's our turn to step up to the plate. Most of our Illinois Democratic politicians who claim to be our friends are frankly lazy when it comes to our rights. They think that we should be satisfied with the lousy status quo of legal inequality and keep our mouths shut – it's choose between them or some Neanderthal Republicans.

Not only have our Illinois politicians not made any significant moves towards enacting marriage equality, they haven't even repealed the disgusting statewide version of DOMA that they passed in 1996. In the wake of Iowa and Vermont, we have to say NO MORE EXCUSES! With "friends" like these, who needs enemies?!

The California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8 – on a weekday between now and June 3rd – is probably the next big event on the marriage equality issue. Chicago and Springfield are among dozens of cities set to have "Day of Decision" actions the night the court gives its ruling – either celebrations or protests, depending on how the court rules.

In Chicago, our action will take place at 7 PM meeting in front of the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted Street (followed by a march) on the night that the court gives out its decision.

The business day before the decision is released, our plaintiffs against Prop 8 will be informed by the court that it's coming down, and so we'll be able to give you a head's up about the forthcoming decision if you sign up for our email, text or twitter alert (again, go to www.DayOfDecision.org site to get signed up). In the Chicago area, if you would like to volunteer to help out with publicity in advance of the Day of Decision, email the Gay Liberation Network at LGBTliberation@aol.com

Let's carry the pro-gay momentum of Iowa and Vermont forward!!