Dear Editor:
As Windy City Times recently reported, a number of North Side state legislators are collaborating with LGBT- and civil-rights organizations to advance marriage-equality legislation in Illinois.
Creating same-sex civil unions in 2010 was a huge step for Illinois and puts our community closer to the goal of full and unequivocal LGBT equality. To date, thousands of Illinois couples have sought civil unions to enjoy the same legal benefits that opposite-sex couples in this state are entitled to. For that, I am extremely grateful.
However, civil unions are not enough.
Legislators have a responsibility as public servants to ensure that every citizen we represent is treated equally. I am proud to be a part of this chapter in Illinois' progress—past, present & future.
Simply said ... let's do it now. Let's make marriage equality a reality in Illinois.
Sincerely,
Sara Feigenholtz
State Representative, 12th District
A letter to the cardinal
Eminence:
I find myself conscience-bound to respond to your most recent column in the Chicago New World (Jan. 15 issue). Once again, you publicly talk about the fear that motivated your harsh words in comparing the gay liberation movement with the Ku Klux Klan.
You speak of this fear as if it were an addiction over which you have no control. Instead of honoring the words you spoke to the LGBT community, you appear to be attempting to walk away from that apology.
Why are three simple words so difficult for you to honor—"I am sorry?"
I have reached out to you to encourage direct dialogue about the fear you are harboring, but instead of engaging in a meaningful dialogue you have chosen to publicly wallow in it, as your most recent column suggests.
In our previous private written communication I have pleaded with you to light a candle of hope and not curse the darkness of fear.
I want to take this opportunity once again to publicly ask you to enter into a meaningful dialogue process where we can begin to address the unreasonable fear you harbor against the LGBT community, and seek common ground over fear. There can be no justification or rationalization for your uncharitable words directed at the LGBT Community.
I call on you to publicly honor the apology you gave to our community without any reservations.
Sincerely,
Joe Murray, Executive Director
Rainbow Sash Movement
