Illinoisans have been hearing a lot from prominent lawmakers and religious leaders against the legalization of same-sex marriage in Illinois, but LGBT advocates are firing back with big names in support of the bill.
Illinois Unites for marriage, a coalition of groups backing a bill that would bring equal marriage to Illinois, has released robocalls featuring NAACP Chairman Emeritus Julian Bond as well as NFL linebacker and former Chicago Bear Brendon Ayanbadejo.
The calls target the districts of Black lawmakers, who have been heavily targeted by anti-gay robocalls in recent months.
In the Ayanbadejo call, the former Chicago Bear notes that his parents' biracial relationship was not always accepted in society.
"We need to let the world know that Illinois accepts all people regardless of who they love, to let the world know that Illinois treats all people equally under the law," Ayanbadejo says.
The message goes on to press voters to call their state reps. in support of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act.
Bond's message also calls on voters to contact their reps in support of the bill.
"Gay and lesbian couples have the same values as everyone elselove, commitment and stable families," Bond says. "They should have the same right to marry as the rest of us."
The robocalls come after months of anti-gay calls from religious leaders and former state Senator Rev. James Meeks. Those calls have tended target Black representatives.
Illinois Unites for Marriage and The Civil Rights Agenda have countered those calls with thousands in support of the bill.
The bill has already passed the Senate.
Sponsors are hoping to pass it in the House before 31 when the House adjourns for the summer. Gov. Quinn has vowed to sign it into law. Quinn recently said he wants to see a vote on the bill soon, but some reports suggest that the measure might still be shy the 60 votes it needs to pass.
Audio recording here: www.windycitymediagroup.com/pdf/message_disclaimer.mp3 .
Audio recording here: www.windycitymediagroup.com/pdf/JulianBondRecording.mp3 .
Targeted:
Monique Davis (RD27)
Will Davis (RD30)
Ken Dunkin (RD05)
Marcus Evans (RD33)
Mary Flowers (RD31)
LaShawn Ford (RD08)
Esther Golar (RD06)
Jehan Gordon (RD92)
Eddie Jackson (RD114)
Chuck Jefferson (RD67)
Thad Jones (RD29)
Camille Lilly (RD78)
Rita Mayfield (RD60)
Christian Mitchell (RD26)
Al Riley (RD38)
Derrick Smith (RD10)
Elgie Sims (RD34)
Art Turner (RD09)
Chris Welch (RD07)