All posts in category Press Releases
Press Releases
As marriage equality bill is set to become law, Illinois Unites for Marriage Campaign lauds grassroots work that led to victory
November 19, 2013
As thousands of supporters from across the State of Illinois get set to converge on Chicago for the enactment of Senate Bill 10, the Illinois Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, the Illinois Unites for Marriage Campaign today released a summary of its work, demonstrating in raw the numbers the grassroots' nature of the activity that led to passage of the bill. Governor Pat Quinn is set to sign SB10 at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, in front of an expected audience of 3,000 people at the University of Illinois-Chicago campus. Illinois House passes the freedom to marry
November 5, 2013
In a major legislative victory that secures equal treatment for all families under the law in our state, the Illinois House passed Senate Bill 10 with a historic vote today that will make Illinois the 15th state to recognize the freedom to marry for gay and lesbian couples. As excited and emotional same-sex couples looked on, the bill’s sponsors thanked the many people involved in getting the legislation passed. The bill – the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act – now returns to the Illinois Senate for final approval then moves to the desk of Governor Pat Quinn, who has vowed to sign it into law as soon as he can. Diverse Clergy and Faith Leaders Coalition Urges Illinois House to Pass Freedom to Marry During Veto Session
November 4, 2013
Broad interfaith coalition supports SB10, say “it’s a matter of conscience and justice” Illinois Mayors Join Together to Urge Legislators to Pass Freedom to Marry During Veto Session
October 29, 2013
With the Illinois General Assembly returning to Springfield next week, several mayors from cities and towns across Illinois signed onto a letter urging the Illinois House of Representatives to pass marriage equality during veto session, stating that “families cannot wait any longer for the State of Illinois to respect their freedom to marry.” Senate Bill 10 – the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act – won overwhelming, bipartisan passage in the Illinois Senate in February and currently awaits action in the House. African-American Clergy Urge Illinois House to Pass Freedom to Marry During Veto Session
October 18, 2013
As the Illinois General Assembly returns to Springfield next week for its fall veto session, African-American clergy and faith leaders gathered today to show their support for the freedom to marry and urge the Illinois House of Representatives to pass the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, saying “we remind Illinois of the fierce urgency of now.” The clergy present today, including Rev. Dr. Delman Coates who was instrumental in enacting marriage equality in Maryland, represent a range of faiths and a diverse community of congregations, including gay and lesbian parents who are raising children in loving families. 
Illinois Restaurant Association Supports the Freedom to Marry as Campaign Builds Toward Veto Session
October 10, 2013
With the Illinois General Assembly poised to return to Springfield in less than two weeks, the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA) today announced its strong support for the freedom to marry and urged members of the Illinois House to act quickly in passing SB10, the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act: Illinois Unites Kicks Off “Couple of the Week” Program as Campaign Builds Toward Veto Session
October 9, 2013
With the Illinois General Assembly poised to return to Springfield, Illinois Unites for Marriage announced today its new “Couple of the Week,” program, a series of profiles done through video, social media and the campaign’s web site. Together, the profiles convey a simple message to legislators: “The time is now.” Senate Bill 10 – the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act – won overwhelming, bipartisan passage in the Illinois Senate in February and awaits action in the House. Illinois Unites Announces Statewide “Moneybomb” to Move Marriage Equality Legislation
October 7, 2013
Today, dozens of Illinois elected officials and organizations launched a one-day “moneybomb” fundraising blitz to help Illinois Unites for Marriage secure the freedom to marry in the upcoming fall veto session. Senate Bill 10 – the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act – passed easily in the Senate and currently awaits action in the House. Illinois Unites Coalition to Host Screening of “The New Black”
October 4, 2013
Award-winning documentary discusses the complexities of the LGBT movement among African-Americans Illinois Unites Unveils New Coalition of Veterans Urging House to Pass Freedom to Marry
October 1, 2013
“Veterans Unite For Marriage” to address essential military protections currently being denied 