Marriage equality supporters plan Friday roadside vigil

With marriage equality legislation temporarily hung up in the Illinois House of Representatives, local advocates plan to show their commitment and support at a silent roadside vigil this Friday, March 22 from 5-6:30 pm at the southwest corner of the intersection of routes 31 and 120 in McHenry.

Bill sponsors report that the legislation legalizing same gender marriage in Illinois is a handful of votes shy of passage after clearing the house.

“Undeclared or wavering legislators are coming under enormous pressure from opponents who are mobilizing in Catholic parishes and other churches,” said Patrick Murfin, chairman of the Social Justice Committee of the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry. “Despite the best efforts of other voices of faith who support marriage justice and the clear majority of Illinois residents who support reform, legislators might not clearly understand the breadth of support this legislation has.”

Members of the Tree of Life Congregation and their partners from Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians (PFLAG) will be joined by other concerned residents at the vigil.

Participants will silently line the curb holding simple signs in support of marriage equality in the hopes of bringing their message to as many passing motorists during the busy rush hour as possible.

For more information contact Murfin at 815 814-5645 or e-mail pmurfin@sbcglobal.net.