Illinois Legislators Need to Hear From You

I mentioned the other day that HB2234 — the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act — was delayed once again. It doesn’t look like it has the votes for passage, which is unfortunate. Our GLBT friends need our help.

I wrote to my representative urging her to vote in favor of this bill and this is the response I got back:

Dear Hemant:

I recently received your e-mail asking for my support of HB2234, legislation that creates the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act.

The majority of my constituents who have contacted me regarding this legislation, and civil unions in general, have been in opposition to the issue proposed in this legislation. I have serious misgivings about this bill and feel it ultimately would redefine marriage, which I consider to be between one man and one woman.

Thank you for caring enough about this issue to take the time to write to me.

Sincerely,
Renée Kosel
State Representative — 81^st District
Assistant Republican Leader

Of course, this bill has nothing to do with gay marriage. It has to do with giving gay people the same rights as the rest of us. Kosel’s response is just a poor talking point.

Our reps need to hear from more Illinois citizens who support equal rights. Spread the message, make the phone calls, send the emails. Don’t let this bill die.

The relevant contact information for your state reps can be found here.