LGBT groups will be protesting outside of Holy Name Cathedral next month, highlighting a longstanding rivalry between many LGBTs and Catholic Cardinal Francis George.
Gay Liberation Network (GLN) and LGBT Catholic organization the Rainbow Sash Movement, have announced a Valentine's Day themed demonstration on Feb. 10, at 10:30 a.m. The protest will focus on George's stance against equal marriage.
The announcement comes at a time when LGBTs are pushing for the legalization of same-sex marriage in Illinois, while the Catholic hierarchy is opposing it.
But the protest has been a Valentine's tradition for years, typically targeting the Catholic Church or the Cook County Clerk's office, which issues marriage licenses (Clerk David Orr is a longtime LGBT ally).
This year's falls on the Sunday before Valentine's day and will take place
"As long as Cardinal George takes such a vociferous stance against our legal equality, he remains a target for political action," said Andy Thayer of GLN.
Joe Murray, executive director of Rainbow Sash Movement, said George's stance against equal marriage impacts Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
"Up here in Chicago, he really is meaningless in this debate," Murray said. "Across the state, he is not."