Keeping with an annual tradition of protesting Catholic Cardinal Francis George, LGBT supporters demonstrated outside Holy Name Cathedral Feb. 10.
More than 20 attended the protest, intended to draw attention to George's anti-gay stances. Protesters marched despite a cold rainy morning as parishioners quietly exited Sunday mass. About a dozen police surrounded the demonstration.
The protest is annual Valentine's Day tradition organized by LGBT direction action group Gay Liberation Network (GLN).
Andy Thayer's GLN said the demonstration was intended to condemn George's political actions, not his religious beliefs.
"If you promote discrimination, you are promoting bigotry and that is what this cardinal has done consistently for years now," Thayer said.
Also supporting the march was LGBT Catholic organization the Rainbow Sash Movement (RSM).
Joe Murray, executive director of RSM, noted that the majority of Catholics support LGBT rights. He said he hopes the Cardinal will have a change of heart.
"We're all children of God, and we're all entitled to equal rights," Murray said.
The protest comes as the Illinois General Assembly is poised to vote on a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois.
Just one counter-protester appeared at the demonstration, which ended without incident.
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