(Chicago, IL) — Today NAACP National President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous and Illinois NAACP State Conference President George P. Mitchell released the following statement:
From NAACP Illinois State Conference President George P. Mitchell:
"The NAACP was founded 104 years ago in response to the continuing horrific practice of lynching and the 1908 race riot in Springfield.
While the nature of the struggle may change, our bedrock commitment to civil rights and freedom never will and that includes civil marriage equality. The fight for freedom and equality encompasses all mankind.
We live in a democracy. In our democracy we have the benefit of a Constitution which defines the equal rights which we all share and to which we as a nation aspire. The Fourteenth Amendment to that Constitution says, in part, that no state "shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws" and that becomes a significantly relevant issue.
Just 50 years ago, many states would not recognize a marriage between people of different races. Today, we see marriage equality as a civil rights issue and an extension of that fight. Marriage equality is just that — the right to be treated equally in the eyes of the government. What better evidence than the Fourteenth Amendment.
People of good conscience can disagree on this issue. We deeply respect differences of opinion and conscience on the religious definition of marriage, and we strongly affirm the religious freedoms and ceremonial practices of all as protected by the First Amendment.
But, the NAACP will always stand for full equality under the law."
From NAACP President & CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous:
"Civil marriage is a civil right and a matter of civil law. The NAACP's support for marriage equality is deeply rooted in the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution and equal protection of all people.
Civil marriage, like all civil rights provided by the government, must be provided equally to all Americans. The NAACP has been making the case for equality for 104 years, and we will continue to do so throughout our Association's second century.
We commend the efforts of the Illinois State Conference to break down the barriers to marriage equality."
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities.