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The campaign for gay rights has been reignited after a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois failed to gain enough support in Springfield last month. Dozens of business leaders came together Sunday to cosign an open letter endorsing same-sex marriage.
“To be competitive, a state must create an equitable, fair and respectful environment for all of its citizens,” the letter said.
It continued to argue that legalizing gay marriage is vital to remaining competitive with other states, such as New York, that have already legalized same-sex marriage. The letter was signed by Google, Orbitz Worldwide and Groupon. Several notable individuals signed it as well, including Desiree Rogers, CEO Johnson Publishing Co.; Lance Chody, CEO of Garrett Popcorn Shops; Fred Eychaner, chairman of the Newsweb Corp.; and Laura Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs.
The letter comes just a week after the Washington National Cathedral announced it would start performing same-sex marriages. This symbolic victory for gay rights advocates comes after the victories won in the last election when same-sex marriage was legalized in Maine, Maryland and Washington. Meanwhile, voters in Minnesota rejected adding anti-gay marriage law into their constitution.
Opponents to same-sex marriage have also taken steps to urge Illinois lawmakers in the other direction. Bishops and ministers from about 1,700 congregations urged lawmakers to not extend marriage rights to same-sex couples. They argue that changing the state’s definition of marriage threatens the ideal environment in which to raise children.
Chicago Cardinal Frances George reinforced his position against same-sex marriage last Sunday through a letter that was posted on church bulletins.
“It is physically impossible for two men or two women to consummate a marriage, even when they share a deep friendship or love,” George wrote in the letter. “When the ways of nature and nature’s God conflict with civil law, society is in danger.”
The letter concluded with an appeal for parishioners to contact state legislators.
While the debate over same-sex marriage continues to heat up in Chicago and the state, DePaul University has decided not to take a position on same-sex marriage legislation.
“DePaul, as a university, doesn’t have an ‘opinion’ on gay marriage,” said Cynthia Lawson, vice president of public relations for DePaul. “Although DePaul does not have an opinion about gay marriage nor is it taking a position on the legislation, that should not be construed as DePaul having lost sight, in any way, of Catholic social teaching that guides its followers to embrace diversity, to respect human dignity and to create a welcoming community.”
DePaul’s commitment to providing a welcoming environment is evident in the wide array of services that DePaul provides for its LGBTQ community. Additionally, it is the only Catholic university to have a LGBTQ Studies program.
“DePaul has had LGBTQA student organizations since the 1970s – a time when most other institutions had none – and DePaul was one of the first, and one of only a few, Catholic universities that provided benefits for partners,” said Lawson.
