On Oct. 22, marriage supporters from across the state will march together in Springfield to send a clear message to Illinois lawmakers: Now is the time for our state to permit all of its citizens to marry. DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church ( DuPage UU Church ) is a proud supporter of a grassroots effort to promote the final passage of Illinois Senate Bill 10, the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act.
The bill has already been passed by the Illinois Senate with Governor Pat Quinn's support. Central to its passage into law is citizen support, culminating in the March on Springfield on October 22—the first day of the Illinois Legislature's fall veto session. In preparation for this event, and the House vote, DuPage UU Church is spearheading efforts to heighten community awareness of the bill's pending passage.
Every Monday evening in October, members of the DuPage UU Church will host and staff a phone bank to inform local citizens of the emergent nature of Illinois Senate Bill 10—and invite participation in the March on Springfield. The community is welcome to join this effort.
"Our aim is not only to let people in our community know about the bill and urge them to contact their legislators, but also to encourage participation in the March on October 22," says Membership Director Rose Riccio. To facilitate involvement, DuPage UU Church is partnering with the First Congregational Church of Naperville to provide transportation, by bus, to Springfield.
Riccio notes that those who cannot attend the march but want to support the passage of Senate Bill 10 can participate, as well. "When individuals become part of a growing group, they can have huge impact," she says. "So we encourage those who can't join us at the March to visit www.ilunites.org . There, you will find detailed instructions for making effective phone calls to our legislators, as well as for signing a petition in support of the Bill."
DuPage UU Church's first Statement of Conscience, voted on and passed by the congregation in 2005, holds that civil marriage between any two consenting adults is a civil right. "As a Welcoming Congregation," former DuPage UU Church President Kaiya Iverson says, "we are strongly committed to equality for all. Unitarian Universalist congregations throughout the state, sharing our commitment, are gearing up for the march. Our investment in the passage of this bill demonstrates our commitment to the well-being of the community as a whole. We invite all members of the community to join us as we work to make our community a better place for all."
DuPage UU Church, located at 1828 Old Naperville Road in Naperville, is a growing congregation of more than 300 members who honor many belief systems and are united by shared values of justice, freedom of thought, and peace among all. For information about your local UU congregation, please visit www.DuPageUUChurch.com or contact the church office at 630-505-9408.
