Archive for the ‘Politics’ Category
Advocacy Council Co-Sponsors April 12 Civil Unions Forum
Written by ACHR Staff on April 1, 2011 – 2:31 am -A community information forum on the new civil unions law will be at 7 pm on Tuesday, April 12 at the Unitarian Church of Bloomington, 1613 E. Emerson St.
McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael will explain the procedures for couples who visit her office to apply for a license. Jim Bennett, Midwest regional director of Lambda Legal Defense, and Caroline Staerk, director of field programs for Equality Illinois, will discuss what the bill entails, what happens next and address any specific questions that audience members might have. Read more »
Middle-Aged Gay Guy
Written by ACHR Staff on April 1, 2011 – 2:19 am -By Tom McCulley
When I was asked to come out of the “semi-retirement” I imposed upon myself when I started my Ph.D. studies so that I might write a piece about the “Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act,” I was hesitant at first. I suspect my hesitation will surprise some readers; after all, I’ve dedicated most of my columns here to ways that my family resembles all other families and to the expressed desire that the Ronald and I be allowed to marry. Read more »
Save the Date – Groups to Sponsor April 12 Community Forum on Civil Union Law
Written by ACHR Staff on March 8, 2011 – 1:52 am -
Gov. Quinn Signs Civil Unions Bill; Advocacy Council Plans April 12 Information Forum
Written by ACHR Staff on February 6, 2011 – 12:07 pm -Unless you are living under a rock you probably know by now that Gov. Quinn has signed the civil unions bill and that come June 1 civil unions licenses will be available to same- and opposite-sex couples in Illinois. Read more »
Civil Unions Law to be signed; local community forum planned for April
Written by ACHR Staff on January 5, 2011 – 1:56 am -Almost as soon as the state civil unions bill passed in the General Assembly same-sex couples in the local LGBT community began asking specific questions about what a civil unions law will mean for them. Some of the questions have included: Read more »
Reflections on DADT repeal
Written by admin on January 5, 2011 – 1:50 am -By Gene Naden
I have had my time of bitterness and now I choose to have my time of hope.
I cried as I viewed the President’s speech. I have longed for this, deeply. I longed for a vision of military service that could accept men and women like me, longed for it for 45 years. That number reveals my age but I don’t care. This is more important. This is the moment in history that, as Obama said, has been more than 200 years in the making. Read more »
Board members’ videos for Civil Unions Bill
Written by ACHR Staff on November 30, 2010 – 12:30 am -Advocacy Council Board Members Record Videos for Civil Unions Bill – Possible Vote Nov. 30! Advocacy Council board members Elizabeth Anvick and Suzie Hutton and their partners have recorded video segments for the Equality Illinois project “Stories from the Heartland.” Read more »
Help end Don’t Ask Don’t Tell
Written by ACHR Staff on November 29, 2010 – 12:24 am -by Lee Reinhart
1st – Make a call to Senator Elect Mark Kirk and ask for his immediate support of repealing Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. If you’re a veteran please be sure to let the staff at Kirk’s office know that when you place the call. Please note: you do not have to be a veteran to call, it is just important to mention it if you are. Senator Elect Mark Kirk’s DC office number: 202.225.4835.
2nd – Once you make the call, please encourage your friends and family to call as well. You could even post the request on your facebook to widen your reach. It’s important as many folks as possible call Mark Kirk’s office.
3rd – You can help collect petitions that will be hand delivered to Kirk his first week in office. I will send those out to you upon your request.
Feel free to call me and ask me any questions. Once you make the call, email me so I can keep record of the number of calls being made. If you can only do one of the above it’s still very important and appreciated.
My Contact info:
Lee Reinhart
ilnavyvet@yahoo.com
773.680.0620
Civil Unions Bill Nears Possible Vote in Springfield
Written by ACHR Staff on November 29, 2010 – 12:21 am -The civil unions bill that has long languished in the General Assembly may be up for votes in the Senate and House the week after Thanksgiving.
The General Assembly is back in Springfield for the fall veto session and could take action on the civil unions bill as well as other legislation including the legalization of medical marijuana and expansion of gambling. Read more »
Acorn to Award Scholarships at December Breakfast
Written by ACHR Staff on November 1, 2010 – 11:59 pm -The Acorn Equality Fund www.acornequalityfund.com will award scholarships to LGBT and LGBT-supportive high school and college students at its annual breakfast at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4 at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in East Peoria.
Acorn Equality Fund provides opportunities for scholarships and grants to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) persons, organizations and allies in Illinois’ downstate counties. Over $20,000 in scholarship money will be awarded at this year’s breakfast.
Tickets to the breakfast are $25. The Advocacy Council is putting together a table so if you are interested in sitting with us please e-mail Dave at davebent62@hotmail.com.
Statewide Poll Shows Continued Support for Marriage Equality, End of DADT
Written by ACHR Staff on November 1, 2010 – 11:58 pm -A poll of 1,000 registered, likely voters in Illinois reveals that a large majority supports some form of marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples.
The poll, initiated by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, indicates 67.5 percent of poll respondents support either civil unions or full marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples. Only 26.5 percent are opposed to any legal recognition, and 6 percent didn’t know or had no opinion.
The same poll revealed that 72.6 percent of respondents favor allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military. Only 19.3 percent expressed opposition, with 8.1 percent having no opinion or not answering.
The poll was conducted Sept. 30 – Oct. 10 and has margin of error of 3 percent. For more information visit the institute’s web site at www.paulsimoninstitute.org.