If you feel that it is unfair and wrong to deny families and couples the legal protections and dignity they deserve based on sexual orientation, please read on and sign on to our open letter.
No matter where your chuch or synagogue, or larger denomination, stands on the issue of blessing same-gender couples, I hope you can all agree that no one should be shut out of a system that is supposed to be there to protect their unions.
Thank you for your support.
We, the undersigned -- people of faith from a variety of faith communities across our state -- strongly support the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act. We dedicate our lives to fostering faith and values, and we work daily to promote love, justice, and fairness for all. Standing on these beliefs, we think that it is morally just to grant the rights and responsibilities to couples that cannot have a civil marriage, not only to same sex couples, but also to seniors who fear losing financial resources.
We agree that gay and lesbian couples and senior couples should be able to:
- participate in medical decision making
- control the disposition of a deceased partner's remains
- visit a loved one in the hospital
- share a nursing home room
- have access to pension benefits
There can be no justification for discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Some have used the name of religion to justify slavery, to deny women the right to vote and deny marriage to interracial couples - people of goodwill find that unconscionable today. We accept our brothers and sisters and recognize that their relationships and families need civil recognition and protections.
There are differences among our many religious traditions. Some recognize and bless same-sex unions and some do not. The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act reaffirms the Constitutional guarantee that no religious denomination would be compelled or forced to solemnize any relationship that is outside its faith tradition. It gives legal recognition and protections to loving, committed couples. We agree that all Illinois couples should be legally protected and urge you as a state legislator to support this bill to achieve equality.
Scripture and tradition carry the message of love, justice and inclusion of all. The very basis of a union is to protect the family, strengthen our communities and emphasize compassion and love. No couple should be excluded from civil/legal protections.
We want to promote the common good - what is best for individuals, couples, families, children, and society. As people of faith and citizens of Illinois, we ask you to stand for the freedom of all our citizens and support the civil union bill. It's not only a matter of equality - it's a matter of conscience and justice.
Sincerely,
Signed by:
[Your name]
[Title]
[Organization]
