Pictured LEFT: Chicago Ald. Tom Tunney, State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz and Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley. RIGHT: Tunney watches volunteers at Fair Illinois. Photos by Andrew Davis
On June 8, Chicago Ald. Tom Tunney, State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz and Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley stopped by the Lakeview office of Fair Illinois, located at 3342 N. Halsted. The group of elected officials did so in order to present its financial support to the organization. Tunney, Feigenholtz, Quigley and state Sen. John Cullerton rallied together to donate $15,000 cash and some of the site's resources.
In May, the anti-gay group known as Protect Marriage Illinois ( PMI ) turned in approximately 345,000 signatures in its effort to place a referendum on the state's November ballot to prohibit same-sex marriage in the Illinois Constitution—and, in fact, to outlaw any sort of domestic partnership.
In response to that development, Fair Illinois formed. This organization, believing that many of the signatures on PMI's petitions are invalid, has organized an effort to find invalid signatures and, in turn, help protect gay and lesbian families.
Jim Snyder, the chairman of Fair Illinois, applauded what the group is doing. 'I think that this is a terrific grassroots effort,' he told Windy City Times. 'There's a terrific [ display ] of unity. People from all aspects of the GLBT community are coming out to help, as well as people in other areas, such as progressive areas of faith and organized labor. There's so much work to do, but there are so many hands. Plus, it's great if you want to learn something about politics and meet new people.' ( There are five sites around the state dedicated to the effort, including locations in Palatine and Springfield. The verification process has been completed in Champaign. )
Tunney concurred with Snyder, calling the effort 'a unifier for the community.' Feigenholtz agreed, and added that 'the concept of codifying discrimination is [ pretty ] daunting.'
Feigenholtz planned to send out a last-minute e-mail alert in an effort to amass more support. In addition, she ( along with Quigley and Tunney ) learned how the volunteers check the signatures on the computer—and even did the job herself, checking signatures gathered in Belleville. 'What I do is that I challenge my own petitions to make sure I have the requisite number of signatures,' she said. 'Before I file my petitions, I check the signatures. I don't want to get caught.'
The deadline to check the validity of all the signatures is fast approaching. ' [ The deadline ] is June 29, and we need to finish by [ June ] 24,' Snyder said. He stated that he is confident that the group will be able to finish its task, if there are enough resources and assistance. The implications of what they're doing is certainly not lost on Snyder. 'In Illinois, here on Halsted, we can turn the tide nationally. We'll be the first state to beat one of these things,' he stated emphatically.
Any objections to the petition have to be filed with the State Board of Elections between June 27 and July 6. The Illinois Constitution already prohibits statewide recognition of same-sex unions. Illinois also has a DOMA ( Defense of Marriage Act ) law that does not recognize gay marriages performed outside of the state. However, the ultra-conservative PMI—a sister organization of the Illinois Family Institute—desires further protection against legal gay unions.
PMI needs 283,111 valid signatures to have the referendum placed on the ballot. Even if the required two-thirds of Illinois voters pass the referendum, it does not have the force of law. It merely would call on state legislators to amend the state constitution.
Joe Hanz, a Chicago NOW board member, has been one of many who have helped verify signatures in the Chicago area. Hanz, who went through roughly 20 sheets of signatures, said he encountered many invalid signatures—a large bulk due to incorrect registration information. 'It was certainly a pleasant and rewarding experience, and not incredibly difficult,' Hanz said.
If people wish to help, call 773-724-0071 or e-mail volunteer@fairillinois.org . Individuals may also mail their contributions ( which are not tax-deductible ) to Fair Illinois, 3712 N. Broadway, PMB #418, Chicago, IL 60613. In addition, Snyder had another idea: 'Just show up. We teach you and, five minutes later, you're an expert.'
Also contributing: Amy Wooten
