Illinois Unites for Marriage sent out the following letter from Julian Bond, chairman emeritus of the NAACP's national board of directors, April 5 in support of marriage equality in Illinois:
I've spent my life as a civil-rights activist, working to make our society more just and fair for all of us. It is that commitment to equality that has led me to support marriage for all committed couples.
I believe that marriage strengthens families and communities. I believe that marriage provides the protection and security that every loving couples needs and deserves. I believe that marriage is a universal right, guaranteed equal protection under the law.
That's why I'm urging the Illinois House of Representatives to extend the freedom to marry to all families. Will you join me?
Click here to send a message to your Representative, asking for a "yes" vote on marriage equality: http://equalityfederation.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=Q945apuZattzFn9jwSf08Ii5a08LD%2B1v.
I've experienced the joys of marriage for more than 20 years. My wife, Pamela, and I stood before our friends and family and made a lifelong commitment to one another. We've taken care of each other ever since.
My gay and lesbian brothers and sisters simply want the freedom to make that same commitment. And they deserve the same protection that my wife and I have. It's just that simple.
All across the state, fair-minded Illinoisans like you are coming together to move us closer than we've ever been to securing the freedom to marry in the Land of Lincoln. But we have to keep pushing until we win approval on the House floor.
Make sure your representative hears from an outpouring of constituents before our next critical vote. Send a message now.
Thank you for making this one of the strongest grassroots movements Illinois has ever seen.
Julian Bond