CHICAGO — With the Supreme Court hosting oral arguments — really a debate between pro-LGBT and anti-LGBT attorneys — on April 28, pro-LGBT Chicagoans are joining activists around the country for rallies and vigils.
Chicago's rally will be at 5 PM, Tuesday, April 28 at Federal Plaza, Adams and Dearborn Streets, and will be co-hosted by the Gay Liberation Network, Affinity Community Services, The Civil Rights Agenda, 8th Day Center for Justice, and Marriage Equality USA. Information about other cities' events can be found at uniteformarriage.org .
While the official reason for the Supreme Court hearing and later decision is to settle the marriage rights issue in the four states whose bans have thus far been upheld by lower courts, the Court's decision could have implications for LGBTs far beyond the issue of whether or not we can marry and have those rights respected in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
As the recent anti-LGBT "Religious Freedom Restoration Acts" in Indiana and elsewhere showed, religious conservatives have reacted to their probable defeat on the marriage issue by trying to prevent or roll-back LGBT's equal access to public accommodations such as businesses.
Using the Court's recent Hobby Lobby decision against women's reproductive freedom, they have cited a phony "religious liberty" argument to deny LGBTs equal access to businesses serving the public. In so doing, they are implicitly attacking a central achievement of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement — the equal access to public accommodations — the principle that businesses and other public institutions must be open to all.
"Conceivably the Court's decision this year could be about more than just marriage, but also enshrining the principle that LGBTs cannot be discriminated against in public accommodations, even housing and employment as well," said GLN's Andy Thayer, one of the protest organizers. "On the other hand, this same Court has given us shockingly reactionary rulings such as Hobby Lobby and Citizens United, and so the notion that we should sit back and just expect the Court to rule our way is exceedingly foolish. As grassroots Hoosiers have shown us, you have to fight to win your rights."
"How the Court decides these issues can be as much about public opinion — expressed through public demonstrations — as anything else. LGBTQ people have ALWAYS deserved equal rights, but it's only in recent years with voice from American communities that the courts are responding. That's why the April 28th rally is so important."
To co-sponsor or otherwise help to organize the Chicago rally, email LGBTliberation@aol.com or send a message to the event hosts at the Facebook page: Chicago Rally for LGBTQ Rights during Supreme Court Hearing — April 28th
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