Quigley Calls on Illinois Legislators to Pass Marriage Equality Bill

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) and six members of the Illinois Congressional delegation sent a letter of support for Senate Bill 10 to the Illinois General Assembly Wednesday.

The bill, which the Illinois Senate passed last month, would legalize civil marriage for gay and lesbian couples in Illinois.

"For many years, we have fought together for what we believed was in the best interests of our districts, our state and our country, said Quigley in the letter. "Illinois will be stronger when we allow all loving and committed couples the chance to care for and protect one another through marriage."

"Please join us in being on the right side of history—and vote to include all Illinoisans in the freedom to marry."

"Most Illinoisans believe we should not impose second-class status on one group of citizens—and they believe that government should treat all families with equity, fairness and respect," Quigley continued."... Please join us in being on the right side of history—and vote to include all Illinoisans in the freedom to marry."

In addition to Rep. Quigley, members signing the letter of support included Representatives Danny Davis (IL-07), Tammy Duckworth (IL-08), Bill Foster (IL-11), Luis Gutierrez (IL-04), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and Brad Schneider (IL-10).

To read the full letter, please click here.

As a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, Rep. Quigley has been a tireless advocate for the LGBT community. He is a co-sponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would ensure that all couples are treated fairly under federal law and has lent his support to the national NOH8 Campaign, a global visual art protest against legislation banning gay marriage.

In 2011, Rep. Quigley hosted a DOMA field forum to investigate the negative impacts of the Defense of Marriage Act on individuals and families in Chicago. 

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