CHICAGO — Organizations backing comprehensive immigration reform that includes bi-national, same-sex couples today released a letter sent to U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois seeking an apology for his hurtful and offensive comments in May that are inconsistent with his previous pledges of support. The LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Coalition of Chicago seeks an immediate meeting with the Senator and his show of support for comprehensive, inclusive reform that meets the needs of LGBTQ families.
"Actions speak louder than words, and same-sex families in Illinois and throughout the country are tired of empty promises, both in Congress and in the Illinois Legislature. Last Friday in Illinois and in May in the Senate Judiciary Committee, we learned that politicians say what they want but when it comes to acting, they fail to pass legislation that respects our families. That is why we are committed to not letting Sen. Durbin off the hook for his back-tracking on LGBT rights," said Julio Rodriguez, board president of the Association of Latino Men for Action (ALMA) and chair of the LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Coalition.
The letter, sent May 24, 2013, was prompted by Sen. Durbin's comments at a meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee considering the immigration reform bill. Sen. Durbin acquiesced to the demands of gay rights opponents to exclude same-sex, bi-national couples from the legislation. In the process, Sen. Durbin said, "this is the wrong moment" to fight for same-sex families.
The LGBTQ Immigrants Rights Coalition of Chicago supports comprehensive reform inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning Americans and immigrants. To date, the requested meeting to further discuss the Coalition's concerns with Sen. Durbin has yet to be scheduled.
Commenting on the letter, Rodriguez said, "Sen. Durbin supports immigration reform and has been a solid ally on LGBT rights, yet we are dismayed that he cannot find them compatible with this once-in-a-generation effort to update our immigration laws. He must not only find a way but also lead the way in Congress."
The full text of the letter follows:
______________________________________________________
LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Coalition of Chicago
May 24, 2013
Honorable Richard J. Durbin
230 South Dearborn
Suite 3892
Chicago, IL 60604
RE: Support for Same-Sex Bi-National Families
Dear Senator Durbin:
May 22 marks the celebration of Harvey Milk day. On that day, we are reminded of the fundamental words of the Declaration of Independence and the need to perfect those immortal words of equality. Mr. Milk said, "All men are created equal. No matter how hard you try, you can never erase those words." We understand these words to be a call to protect any group marginalized because of immutable characteristics, including factors of gender, race, and sexual orientation.
This week, it was once again demonstrated that there are still people in this country who want to uphold the homophobic-based discrimination in our immigration laws, as applied to gay and lesbian bi-national families. And it is also clear that even our supposed allies in the fight for equality will engage in trading on LGBT equality for the supposed greater good. This we cannot abide. Nor, can we remain silent when our Senior Senator from Illinois says, "this is the wrong moment" to fight for the rights of same-sex families. The harm imposed upon bi-national same-sex families is ripe for correction, and the fight to end that harm has no wrong moment.
Our community of LGBT and ally members has invested much trust in you to represent our interests to the best of your ability throughout Illinois and within the halls of Congress. Your statement this week suggesting that gay and lesbian families must wait and remain in the shadows is both hurtful and offensive. The suggestion that the struggle for equal treatment under the law can be delayed for another day is wrong and unjust, and in saying so, you did a disservice to LGBT families and individuals.
We understand that the amendment was withdrawn and our collective advocacy must continue through different avenues. Yet you, our Senior Senator, spoke in a way that did not champion our LGBT issues. Respectfully, your comments were inconsistent with the respect owed to the struggling same-sex families who are treated differently under our laws solely due to their sexual orientation.
Our community is utterly disappointed with the lack of advocacy for our families displayed by members of the Judiciary Committee. Despite widespread support from business, labor, faith, and ethnic communities, gay and lesbian families were abandoned without the decency of a yes/no vote. For this, we request both an apology and a meeting with you in order to understand your plan for a path forward for gay and lesbian bi-national families. We need to understand your commitment to full equality for the LGBT community, and how your future talking points will be consistent and respectful of the same. Clarification of your commitment to the LGBT community is essential.
As we enter Pride Month in June, we celebrate the diversity of the LGBT community and the bold actions of leaders such as Harvey Milk and those who have the courage to accept their sexual orientation, to come out, and to live a life free of fear and discrimination.
To contact the LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Coalition of Chicago with regard to this letter, please contact Michael Jarecki at 312-922-1111.
Sincerely,
LGBTQ Immigrant Rights Coalition of Chicago,
The following coalition members have signed on to this letter:
AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Amigas Latinas
Association of Latino Men for Action
Center on Halsted
The Civil Rights Agenda
Congregation Or Chadash
Equality Illinois
Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois
Michael R. Jarecki, Immigration Attorney
