Welcome to Release Dorothy! If you'd like to stay up-to-date on current issues, subscribe to this blog, follow us on Twitter @releasedorothy or on our Facebook page. Get updates via SMS by texting follow ReleaseDorothy to 40404 in the United States

Boy Scout Leadership’s Latest Policy

April 27, 2013 Leave a comment

20130427-093735.jpg

Boy Scouts- No Adult Gays! #lgbt #gay #lgbtnews

April 22, 2013 Leave a comment
History of the Boy Scouts of America

History of the Boy Scouts of America (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The BSA is, once again, reconsidering its ban on adult homosexuals.

The BSA will now be more inclusive of it’s scouts however they continue their discriminatory ban on adult homosexuals serving as leaders.  It’s ridiculous the  BSA continue to exclude gay leaders from enriching the lives of scouts.   Even more disturbing is sending the message it’s ‘OK to be gay’ when you’re young, but be ashamed when you’re older!

Pending “Membership Standards resolution”  - http://www.scouting.org/sitecore/content/MembershipStandards/Resolution/Resolution.aspx

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The following membership standard for youth members of the Boy Scouts of America is hereby adopted and approved, effective Jan. 1, 2014:

Youth membership in the Boy Scouts of America is open to all youth who meet the specific membership requirements to join the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout, Sea Scout, and Venturing programs. Membership in any program of the Boy Scouts of America requires the youth member to (a) subscribe to and abide by the values expressed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law, (b) subscribe to and abide by the precepts of the Declaration of Religious Principle (duty to God), and (c) demonstrate behavior that exemplifies the highest level of good conduct and respect for others and is consistent at all times with the values expressed in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. No youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone.

Reuters’ article:

http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/04/19/us-usa-boyscouts-ban-idINBRE93I0OY20130419

The National Council needs to hear loud and clear from the vast majority of Scouts and Scouters that this is unacceptable.  The Boy Scouts proposal would create a situation where a gay youth could become a scout and then be forced to resign when he becomes an adult.  It’s extremely important that the BSA hear from grass roots community members that their continued discrimination and bigotry is NOT Acceptable.  Their phone lines should be ringing non-stop for the next week.

Their number is 972-580-2000.  Stress that you are associated with a COMMUNITY troop  and that this move is totally unacceptable and contrary to the morals that Scouting has tried to instill in young men for over a century.

In addition, you can send a note to MyScouting@Scouting.org and NationalSupportCenter@Scouting.org to voice your opposition.

If you’d like to do more, contact the BSA National Sponsors:

The Boy Scouts of America is honored to recognize AT&T, official communications sponsor of the BSA, for its generous support of our organization. AT&T’s support of the BSA since 2010 has contributed greatly to enhancing the Scouting experience for youths and adults alike. We are grateful for AT&T’s ongoing support of Scouting.

The Boy Scouts of America thanks ExxonMobil for being a Mission Sponsor of the organization. ExxonMobil’s support is focused on increasing awareness and involvement by Scouts in the areas of science, technology, energy, and math (STEM). ExxonMobil is committed to seeking out and honoring Scouts willing to partake in an exciting journey through a variety of STEM activities, events, and programs, all designed to deliver increased numbers of quality engineers, mathematicians, and scientists from Scouting for many years to come.

The Boy Scouts of America is honored to recognize Mission Sponsor Dale Coyne Racing (DCR). By utilizing the excitement and high-tech nature of Indy-style racing cars as a platform to promote science, technology, and math to those involved in Scouting, DCR’s goal is to increase youth interest in the concepts of engineering and math in ways that are fun and relevant.

The Boy Scouts of America is honored to recognize Scott Lagasse Racing (SLR) for its generous support of our organization. SLR has agreed to include the BSA brand as part of their NASCAR Nationwide racing team. SLR is committed to promoting the Scouting program through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities, educational opportunities, and VIP experiences for local councils. Offering Scouts an opportunity to enjoy Scouting through a NASCAR event is an exciting experience for people of all ages. We appreciate SLR’s support and look forward to seeing NASCAR audiences embrace Scouting through this program.

The Boy Scouts of America is honored to recognize Bass Pro Shops for its generous support of our organization. Bass Pro Shops’ support is focused on its Family Summer Camp promotion, held in all of its stores each summer (June and July). Every store offers workshops, solicits donations, and promotes Scouting throughout their advertising and promotional materials leading up to and during the promotions. Bass Pro Shops’ support helps Scouts with their advancement each summer.

The Boy Scouts of America is honored to recognize mFunds for its generous support of our organization. mFunds is a leader in delivering unique systems to receive, store, move, and manage money. After managing an extremely successful 2010 National Scout Jamboree payment solution, mFunds is helping the BSA navigate the complicated world of fi nancial education as part of the new Scout Prepaid Card program. We are grateful to mFunds’ commitment to develop one of the most successful fi scal education programs in the country through Scouting.

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is honored to recognize INDYCAR for its generous support of our organization. INDYCAR helps educate Scouts about the importance of teamwork, performance, and advancement by utilizing activities and communications focused on science, technology, energy, and math (STEM). In a sport where thousandths of a second might mean the difference between last place and a championship, INDYCAR offers a unique perspective for Scouts that will take them well beyond what takes place on the race track and accelerate life’s adventure.

The Resort at Glade Springs is the preferred accommodations choice for the Boy Scouts of America when visiting The Summit Bechtel Family national Scout Reserve. Conveniently located just miles from The Summit and will all the comforts of home and then some, Glade Springs is the perfect choice when visiting Scouting’s new home but needing comforts beyond those provided by a tent!

Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment and has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market.

Our commitment to providing the highest quality, most innovative and cost-effective welding solutions is one that has guided our company for more than 100 years. Visit http://www.lincolnelectric.com for more information.

via Current Sponsors/Alliances.

Related articles

Related articles

Ex-Gay Superstar John Paulk Finally Renounces His Ex-Gay Past #LGBT

April 22, 2013 1 comment
Rainbow flag (LGBT movement) LGBT (lesbian, ga...

Rainbow flag (LGBT movement) LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) Pride flag (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

 

 

 

John Paulk Must Now Begin The Hard Work Of Atoning For The Damage He Has Done To LGBT People, And Anne Paulk And The Religious Right Must Stop Peddling The Lie Of The Paulks’ “Fairy-Tale ‘Ex-Gay’ Marriage” Immediately, Says Truth Wins Out

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Former–Ex-Gay–Superstar-John-Paulk-Finally-Renounces-His–Ex-Gay–Past.html?soid=1101866686918&aid=nUyXKkTPAFw.

Related articles

IL Rep Dist. #106 Josh Harms Vowed to Extend Personal Liberties-Unless You’re Gay!

April 4, 2013 Comments off
Josh Harms Rep Dist 106

Josh Harms Rep Dist 106

Josh Harms, IL District #106 recently elected Representative ran on a platform of extending personal liberties among other things.   On the surface, a Representative who fights for individual liberties sounds like a good thing, pursuit of happiness and all that comes along with it.  But when you get down to it, Mr. Harms only fights for personal liberties that suit him, be damned if it’s for the good of the people of IL.

For example, his personal liberties platform statements like ‘regulation should only be applied when one person’s liberty is impending another person’s liberty’ is a counter statement to banning abortion (the personal liberty of the mother).  Additionally, he opposes the Religious Freedom and Marriage Equality Act.  An act that allows Churches to decide who they’ll marry and allows all legal age people in the state to marry the person of their choice.  How can you defend personal liberty when you’re more intent on taking personal liberties away from women and second class citizens?  Oh, and don’t give me the line how my constituents don’t support it.  First, you don’t put human rights up for popular vote, and 80% of Illinoisans believe that LGBT citizens should have equal rights.   As far as abortion goes, we have this little case law that you might have heard of, Row v Wade.  It insures the mother has personal liberties as well as a baby who can live outside the womb.

“I BELIEVE MARRIAGE IS ONE MAN, ONE WOMAN, IT’S A VERY SIMPLE SITUATION FOR ME,” SAID REP. JOSH HARMS, (R-WATSEKA).

 

Mr. Harms’ Personal Liberties Platform (abbreviated)

A. School Reform

B. College Tuition

C. Law abiding individuals have a right to own firearms

D. Citizens have a Right to Life

    1. The 14th amendment of the United States Constitutions protects an unborn baby

    a. Abortion should only occur if the mother would die as a result of carrying the baby to term

E. State regulation should only be applied when one person’s liberty is impeding another person’s liberty

F. Party affiliation is not as important as the well-being of the citizens of the 106th district

G. State and Federal government have different responsibilities to the citizens of the country

H. There are instances, such as Nicor, where government institutions work better than private institutions

I.  The federal government has no jurisdiction in healthcare but the state does if it is the will of the people

J.  Citizens rights supersede alien’s rights

K. The State government has the right to protect the rights of consumers against fraudulent business practices

Josh grew up on a family farm outside of Watseka. He has been married to his wife, Rebecca, for 14 years. They have two children, Paul and Molly.

Josh graduated with a Bachelors degree from Illinois State University in 1997 and from Governors State University with a Masters Degree in 2007. Since then he has taught in Vermilion and Iroquois Counties and they live in Watseka. December of 2012 when he resigned from teaching to work full-time as a legislator for the people of Central Illinois.

via About Josh | Rep. Josh Harms.

Related articles

Christian Man Sues Ex-Wife to Prohibit Gay Man from Babysitting #LGBT

April 4, 2013 Comments off
Gay Christian Flag

Gay Christian Flag

 

 

 

 

A Roman Catholic father in Maryland has asked his lawyer, Paul C. Sullivan to pen one of the most horrific pieces of undeniable bigotry I have seen in recent years.

Ed and Kelly were married, had two children and then divorced (as has been known to happen). Kelly was awarded custody of the children with visitation from Ed. Since then, it seems Kelly has become friends with a gay man – Chris. Kelly has since re-married and she sometimes asks Chris to babysit her kids (as has been known to happen).

via Talk About Equality.

IL House Rep. Josh Harms Gives Away Hand Gun for Political Donations #LGBTNews #LGBT

April 3, 2013 1 comment
Harms' Political Raffle Giveaway Prize

Harms’ Political Raffle Giveaway Prize

Recently conservative Republican IL House Representative Josh Harms’ sponsored a fund raising event.  Not so uncommon for a politician.  What is less mainstream, and personally SHOCKING is that the give away was a gun!  Yep that’s right, a hand gun!  At least if you didn’t win a weapon to shoot someone with (you don’t hunt with hand guns), you get free food!

I suppose I should be less than shocked by a man who is self described as: Pro-Business, Pro-Life, Pro-Gun, Pro-Welfare Reform, Pro-Government Reform, Pro-School Funding.  Oh, and he’s anti-LGBT as well, recently stating that a marriage is between a man and a woman.

He viewed the event as “…an opportunity for conservatives to get together and celebrate our freedoms.”

Mr. Harms, who’s freedoms are you celebrating?  

  • The freedom for women to choice what they do with their bodies? NO!
  • The freedom to marry the person you love? NO!
  • The freedom to walk safely down the street? NO!
  • The freedom from poverty? NO!
  • The freedom for your government to enable life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? NO

I guess what you really should have said, is the freedom for white heterosexual males to enforce their will on minorities, second class citizens and women.  Wow, what a man of the people you really are!

GUN RALLY… I MEAN ‘DRAWING PARTY’

On his official site he says the following:

Thank you for supporting our campaign. I personally would like to invite you to the “Drawing Party.” There is free food and no charge. Details are as follows:

Josh Harms’ Gun Raffle Party

Saturday, March 2nd, 6pm at Miss Karol’s

1104 E. Walnut (Rt. 1 & 24)

Watseka, IL

It is an opportunity for conservatives to get together and celebrate our freedoms.  Please feel free to invite others.

If you have not yet bought your tickets, please click HERE for more information.

I hope to see you there.

Josh Harms HandGun Giveway

Josh Harms Hand Gun Giveaway

Josh Harms Rifle Give Away

Josh Harms Rifle Give Away

via Gun Raffle Drawing Party – March 2nd, 6pm @ Miss Karol’s in Watseka | Rep. Josh Harms.

Related articles

ACTION ALERT: IL Marriage Equality Bill Missing Votes from Representatives Who Won’t Evolve #lgbt #marriageequality

April 3, 2013 2 comments
Fighting for LGBT Equality in Illinois

Fighting for LGBT Equality in Illinois

If it passes in the House, the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act will go to Gov. Pat Quinn, who has vowed to sign the bill. However, several representatives have failed to either recognize the need for equality, failed to evolved on understanding the difficulties of their state’s minority population, or in some cases funded by anti-LGBT hate groups.

LGBT activists are pressing supporters of the bill to reach out to their lawmakers to support equality of marriage and equal human rights.  There are roughly 33 Democrats and 46 Republicans who either don’t feel equality or an end to minority suppression is an issue for themselves or their constituents.

Below is a list of Negative Nellie’s who currently don’t support the human rights of their minority constituents or are influenced by hate money.

If you’re not sure who your lawmaker is, here’s a link to the Illinois board of elections interactive map.  If your representative is a RED candidate, take a few minutes to personally call him and tell him to support the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act.

Representatives in the way of being on the right side of history!

Dist. 3, Luis Arroyo (D): Arroyo could be top priority for activists trying to pick up extra votes. He voted for the bill in committee to help it get to the House floor. But, he said, he doesn’t think he can bring himself to vote “yes” on the bill during the full House vote. Springfield office: (217) 782-0480.

Dist. 10, Derrick Smith (D): Smith is under federal indictment for alleged bribery. He returns to office after this winter after his colleagues expelled him from office over the indictment, and voters then re-elected him. He was not endorsed by Equality Illinois in 2012. Springfield office: (217) 782-8077.

Dist. 15, John D’Amico (D): D’Amico voted against civil unions in 2010, Equality Illinois did not endorse him in 2012. Springfield office: (217) 782-8198.

Dist. 20, Michael McAuliffe (R): McAuliffe voted against civil unions in 2010 and has indicated he would do the same if marriage equality were brought to a vote. “I will not support the legalization of gay marriage in Illinois,” he said in a Daily Herald candidate questionnaire. But sources indicate that McAuliffe may not be more open to a “yes” vote than others. Springfield office: (217) 782-8182.

Dist. 21, Silvana Tabares (D): This journalist-turned-lawmaker is new to office. She was not endorsed by Equality Illinois last year. Springfield office: (217) 782-7752.

Dist. 27, Monique Davis (D): Davis voted for civil unions in 2010 and was endorsed by Equality Illinois. But sources indicate that her vote should not be taken for granted. Springfield office: (217) 782-0010.

Dist. 32, Andre. Thapedi (D): Thapedi voted for civil unions, and Equality Illinois endorsed him. In September, however, the Chicago Sun-Times reported that when asked if he supports gay marriage, Thapedi said, “I am uncertain of the query.” Springfield office: (217) 782-1702.

Dist. 33, Marcus C. Evans, Jr. (D): Evans took office in 2012 and was not endorsed by Equality Illinois. Springfield office: (217) 782-8272.

Dist. 35, Frances Ann Hurley (D): Hurley ran for office without an endorsement from Equality Illinois. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Hurley said she “was leaning toward yes for gay marriage.” District office: (773) 445-8128.

Dist. 36, Kelly Burke (D): Burke took office in 2011. Equality Illinois did not endorse her. On a Chicago Sun-Times questionnaire, Burke dodged the question. “The citizens of the 36th District are worried about paying their mortgage, funding their children’s education and making ends meet. I don’t believe this issue is high on the radar of the citizens of my district,” she said. Springfield office: (217) 782-0515.

Dist. 37, Renee Kosel (R): Kosel was a “no” on civil unions, and she ran without an Equality Illinois endorsement. Kosel voted against the bill in committee. Springfield office: (217) 782-0424.

Dist. 41, Darlene Senger (R): Senger voted “no” on civil unions two years ago, but supporters hope that LGBT people and their allies will press her to vote yes, regardless. Springfield office: (217) 782-6507.

Dist. 42, Jeanne Ives (R): Ives is against same-sex marriage. “I am not in favor of gay marriage,” she told Wheaton Patch. “Illinois has a DOMA statute that properly prohibits the marriage between two people of the same sex.” Springfield office: (217) 558-1037.

Dist. 44, Fred Crespo (D): Crespo backed civil unions in 2010 but was not endorsed by Equality Illinois in 2012. Crespo’s skirted the question on his Daily Herald candidate questionnaire, stating, “I support civil rights for all people and oppose discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, when I talk to local voters, they are more concerned about the recent increases in property taxes, eliminating wasteful spending and creating jobs. That is where I feel I must direct my energy, attention and efforts.” Springfield office: (217) 782-0347.

Dist. 45, Dennis Reboletti (R): Reboletti did not support civil unions and said he does not support same-sex marriage, according to the Daily Herald. Springfield office: (217) 782-4014.

Dist. 47, Patti Bellock (R): Bellock was among a group of lawmakers that filed a court document against the marriage equality lawsuits. Bellock voted against civil unions. Springfield office: (217) 782-1448.

Dist. 48, Sandra Pihos (R): In a letter to a Windy City Times reader, Pihos said she would vote against the bill because the vast majority of her constituents are against the measure. Pihos voted against civil unions in 2010. Springfield office: (217) 782-8037.

Dist. 49, Mike Fortner (R): Fortner voted against civil unions and was not endorsed by Equality Illinois. Springfield office: (217) 782-1653.

Dist. 50, Kay Hatcher (R): Hatcher’s stance may be hard to pin down. In 2012, she dodged the question on a Yorkville Patch questionnaire, stating, “My personal philosophy is strongly fiscally conservative and socially moderate. Every person has to weigh for themselves the importance of each issue and how it affects their family.” That same year, she noted on her Daily Herald questionnaire that most of the constituents to contact her on the issue were opposed to the measure, but she did not state her own opinion. She did vote against civil unions. Springfield office: (217) 782-1486.

Dist. 51, Ed Sullivan, Jr. (R): Sullivan opposed civil unions and was not endorsed by Equality Illinois in 2012. Springfield office: (217) 782-3696.

Dist. 52, David McSweeney (R): McSweeney was endorsed by Illinois Family Action, the political arm of anti-gay group the Illinois Family Institute. Springfield office: (217) 782-1517.

Dist. 53, David Harris (R): Harris stated his views on equal marriage in a Chicago Sun-Times candidate questionnaire. “Current state law prohibits marriage between individuals of the same sex,” he said. “I support that law and I do not support same-sex marriage. I could consider supporting civil union legislation depending on how it is written and what it does.” Springfield office: (217) 782-3739.

Dist. 56, Michelle Mussman (D): Mussman stated on a Chicago Sun-Times questionnaire, “I would not support legislation permitting gay marriage. I would support legislation permitting civil unions.” But a Windy City Times reader and 56th Dist. resident said she believes Mussman supports the bill now. Mussman could not be immediately reached for comment. Springfield office: (217) 782-3725.

Dist. 57, Elaine Nekritz (D): Nekritz backed civil unions and was endorsed by Equality Illinois, but she did not state her stance on marriage in candidate questionnaires. Springfield office: (217) 558-1004.

Dist. 60, Rita Mayfield (D): Mayfield wants to vote, yes, she said. But her constituents have pressed her to vote “no.” She held a forum on the issue and most in attendance pressed her to vote “no.” She said she can’t bring herself to vote against the bill and will vote “present.”Springfield Office: (217) 558-1012.

Dist. 61, JoAnn Osmond (R): Osmond sponsored a bill that sought to reaffirm the state’s ban on same-sex marriage last year. She voted against civil unions in 2010. Springfield office: (217) 782-8151.

Dist. 63, Jack Franks (D): Franks voted for civil unions in 2010 but told the Daily Herald in an interview before that that he opposed same-sex marriage. He was also the target of a protest against the bill recently. According to Richard Small, a gay constituent, approximately 50-100 people demonstrated, urging him not to pass the bill. In 2012, he was not endorsed by Equality Illinois. Springfield office: (217) 782-1717.

Dist. 64, Barbara Wheeler (R): Wheeler believes marriage is a union between a man and a woman, she told the Daily Herald. Springfield office: (217) 782-1664.

Dist. 65, Timothy Schmitz (R): Schmitz was endorsed by Illinois Family Action, the political arm of anti-gay organization the Illinois Family Institute. Springfield office: (217) 782-5457.

Dist. 66, Michael Tryon (R): Tryon voted against the bill in committee. Springfield office: (217) 782-0432.

Dist. 67, Charles Jefferson (D): Jefferson voted against civil unions and was not endorsed by Equality Illinois in 2012. Springfield office: (217) 782-3167.

Dist. 68, John Cabello (R): Cabello, who took office in 2012, made headlines recently when he told voters at a Rockford Tea Party forum that he was against civil unions because they could lead to “other” things. “Now, and please bear with me,” Cabello said. “Does this now say that somebody can get married to their dog?” Springfield office: (217) 782-0455.

Dist. 69, Joe Sosnowski (R): Sosnowski voted against the bill in committee. Springfield office: (217) 782-0548.

Dist. 70, Robert Pritchard (R): Pritchard voted against civil unions and backed a bill reaffirming the ban on same-sex marriage last year. Springfield office: (217) 782-0425..

Dist. 72, Patrick Verschoore (D): Verschoore voted “no” on civil unions and was not endorsed by Equality Illinois. Springfield office: (217) 782-5970.

Dist. 73, David Leitch (R): Leitch voted against civil unions and was not endorsed by Equality Illinois in 2012. Springfield office: (217) 782-8108.

Dist. 74, Don Moffitt (R): KWQC news reported in December that Moffitt believes marriage should between a man and a woman. Springfield office: (217) 782-8032.

Dist. 75, Pam Roth (R): Last year, Roth was recommended by Illinois Family Action, the political arm of Illinois Family Institute, an anti-gay organization. Springfield office: (217) 782-5997.

Dist. 76, Frank Mautino (D): Mautino voted against civil unions and was not endorsed by Equality Illinois. Springfield office: (217) 782-0140.

Dist. 77, Kathleen Willis (D): Willis’ stance is not widely known, but Equality Illinois endorsed her Republican challenger Skip Saviano over her last year. Springfield office: (217) 782-3374.

Dist. 79, Katherine Cloonen (D): The Daily Journal reported in October that Cloonen was against gay marriage. District office: (815) 939-1983.

Dist. 80, Anthony DeLuca (D): DeLuca voted for civil unions and was endorsed by Equality Illinois. In March 2011, Chicago Heights Patch reported that DeLuca said he would oppose an equal marriage bill. “There is not a bill on that, but my vote would be ‘no,’” Patch quotes DeLuca saying. Springfield office: (217) 782-1719.

Dist. 81, Ron Sandack (R): “I do not favor moving beyond civil unions and know the majority of the people in my district agree,” Sandack told Naperville Patch. Springfield office: (217) 782-6578.

Dist. 82, Jim Durkin (R): Durkin voted “no” on civil unions and told Lemont Patch in a candidate questionnaire that he opposes gay marriage. Springfield office: (217) 782-0494.

Dist. 83, Linda Chapa LaVia (D): Chapa LaVia voted against civil unions and ran unendorsed by Equality Illinois. She is believed to be undecided. Springfield office: (217) 558-1002.

Dist. 84, Stephanie A Kifowit (D): Asked in Oswego Patch candidate questionnaire about same-sex marriage, Kifowit said she believes everyone should enjoy the same rights, but added, “I believe the intent behind Illinois’ recently enacted civil unions law has done just that.” She was not endorsed by Equality Illinois. Springfield office: (217) 782-8028.

Dist. 85, Emily McAsey (D): McAsey stated in her Chicago Sun-Times candidate questionnaire that gay marriage did not appear to be a priority for voters and that her focus was on other things. Springfield Office: (217) 782-4179.

Dist. 87, Rich Brauer (R): Brauer voted against civil unions and was not endorsed by Equality Illinois. Springfield office: (217) 782-0053.

Dist. 88, Keith Sommer (R): Sommer sponsored an anti-gay “Defense of Marriage” bill in August. Springfield office: (217) 782-0221.

Dist. 89, Jim Sacia (R): Sacia wrote on his website, “I will oppose same sex marriage.” Springfield office: (217) 782-8186.

Dist. 90, Tom Demmer (R): Illinois Family Action, the political arm of anti-gay organization the Illinois Family Institute, endorsed Demmer in 2012. Springfield office: (217) 782-0535.

Dist. 91, Michael Unes (R): Unes sponsored last summer’s “Defense of Marriage” bill, intended to reaffirm the Illinois ban on same-sex marriage. Springfield office: (217) 782-8152.

Dist. 93, Norine Hammond (R): In 2012, Hammond was recommended for office by Illinois Family Action, the political arm of anti-gay organization the Illinois Family Institute. Springfield office: (217) 782-0416.

Dist. 94, Jil Tracy (R): Tracy sponsored a bill last summer that sought to reaffirm the state’s ban on same-sex marriage with a constitutional amendment. Springfield office: (217) 782-8096.

Dist. 95, Wayne Rosenthal (R): Rosenthal sponsored a bill last year that aimed to reaffirm the ban on gay marriage. Springfield office: (217) 782-8071.

Dist. 96, Sue Scherer (D): According to the State Journal-Register, Scherer wants to give civil unions more time to “work through the system” before passing marriage. Springfield office: (217) 524-0353.

Dist. 97, Tom Cross (R): Cross voted “no” on civil unions and was not endorsed by Equality Illinois. Springfield office: (217) 782-1331.

Dist. 98, Natalie Manley (D): Manley’s views on same-sex marriage have not been widely publicized, and she dodged the question on a Patch.com candidate questionnaire. Equality Illinois did not endorse her in 2012. Springfield office: (217) 782-3316.

Dist. 99, Raymond Poe (R): Poe voted against civil unions in 2010. “It’s just a basic belief I have. I don’t think we need them (civil unions). Everybody has the same rights. There’s a lot of places where they get benefits,” Poe is quoted saying by the State Journal-Register. Springfield office: (217) 782-0044.

Dist. 100, C.D. Davidsmeyer (R): Davidsmeyer took office in 2012. His position on same-sex marriage has not been widely publicized. Springfield office: (217) 243-6221.

Dist. 101, Bill Mitchell (R): In 2004, Mitchell introduced a bill that sought to limit the definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman in the Illinois constitution. Windy City Times reported at the time that Mitchell’s bill “attempted to nullify existing laws, saying that ‘civil union, domestic partnership, or other similar same-sex relationship shall not be valid or recognized in Illinois.’” Springfield office: (217) 782-8163.

Dist. 102, Adam Brown (R): Brown took office in 2011 and ran in 2012 without the endorsement of Equality Illinois. Springfield office: (217) 782-8398.

Dist. 104, Chad Hays (R): Hays’ position has not been widely publicized. On his website he writes, “Chad is Pro-Life as well as a strong supporter of family values.” Springfield office: (217) 782-4811.

Dist. 105, Dan Brady (R): Brady voted against civil unions and was not endorsed by Equality Illinois. Springfield Office: (217) 782-1118.

Dist. 106, Josh Harms (R): The Pontiac Daily Leader reported in mid-January that Harms believes marriage should be between a man and a woman. Springfield office: (217) 558-1039.

Dist. 107, John Cavaletto (R): In 2006, the Mt. Vernon Register-News reported that Cavaletto said, “I am strongly opposed to gay rights for homosexuals and I support a Constitutional Amendment to ban gay marriage.” That same report notes that Cavaletto has a gay uncle. Cavaletto opposed civil unions in 2010 and backed an anti-gay “Defense of Marriage” bill in 2012. Springfield office: (217) 782-0066.

Dist. 108, Charles Meier (R): The Belleville News-Democratic reported this fall that Meier is against same-sex marriage. Springfield office: (217) 782-6401.

Dist. 109, David Reis (R): Reis was among a group of lawmakers to file a court document against two lawsuits that seek marriage equality in Illinois. Springfield office: (217) 782-2087.

Dist. 110, Brad Halbrook (R): Halbrook’s stance on marriage has not been widely publicized. He has conservative stances on abortion and gun control. Springfield office: (217) 558-1040.

Dist. 111, Daniel Beiser (D): Beiser voted against civil unions in 2010 and was not endorsed by Equality Illinois in 2012. WBGZ radio reported in January that Beiser did not support the marriage bill but did support a statewide referendum on the measure. Springfield office: (217) 782-5996.

Dist. 112, Dwight Kay (R): Kay was among a group of lawmakers to sponsor a bill re-affirming the state’s ban on same-sex marriage last year, after 25 LGBT couples sued Cook County for the right to marry. Springfield office: (217) 782-8018.

Dist. 113, Jay Hoffman (D): Hoffman voted for civil unions but was not endorsed by Equality Illinois two years later. The Belleville News-Democrat reported last October that Hoffman backed civil unions but opposed same-sex marriage. District office: (618) 394-2211.

Dist. 114, Eddie Lee Jackson, Sr. (D): Jackson voted against the bill in committee, making him the only Democrat to do so. Jackson voted “yes” on civil unions but was not endorsed by Equality Illinois last year. Springfield office: (217) 782-5951.

Dist. 115, Mike Bost (R): Bost voted against the bill in committee. He told KFVS News that he will oppose gay marriage. “We see many problems that can occur even with the civil unions that we’ve already dealt with. I’m afraid that gay marriage would step that up a bit,” said Bost. “It’s a bill that will be out there. Each one of us will vote our own conscience. I didn’t vote for civil unions and I won’t be voting for gay marriages.” Springfield Office: (217) 782-0387.

Dist. 116, Jerry Costello, II (D): NBC Chicago reported in October that Costello was against same-sex marriage. Springfield office: (217) 782-1018.

Dist. 117, John Bradley (D): Bradley vowed to oppose gay marriage in a statement to KFVS News. “I am not going to be supportive of it,” he said. “I didn’t support civil unions. And I don’t intend to support the gay marriage proposal. But I am sure this is going to be an ongoing battle for the State of Illinois.” Springfield office: (217) 782-1051.

Dist. 118, Brandon Phelps (D): Phelps is against same-sex marriage. Two years ago, he co-sponsored a constitutional amendment to limit marriage to a man and a woman. “This constitutional amendment will reinforce the values and beliefs that I feel encompass the sacred institution of marriage, and will help keep it strictly between one man and one woman here in the state of Illinois,” he said in a statement on his website. Springfield office: (217) 782-5131.

Courtesy: http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/IL-marriage-vote-near-how-the-reps-stack-up/41867.html

Related articles
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 526 other followers