My Trip to Springfield

It was a scary moment...the minute I realized that I had said “yes” to something I have never done before.  I said “yes.” 

The question?  Would I be willing to be a part of a small group of clergy to descend upon our state capital and lobby our elected officials in regard to SB10 – the marriage bill?  I said “yes.”

I’ve never done anything like this before.  I’ve always tried to do what I can to be supportive of various legislation but it has always been from fingertip length... communicating through my laptop, signing petitions, emailing Representatives.  But this time...this time I was going to be face-to-face with some pretty powerful people... and I was going to be asking them to do something. 

Now let me just put it out there that I am a supporter of Marriage Equality.  Actually, I should say that I am a supporter of Equal Rights and therefore in support of Marriage... for everyone.  So a trip to Springfield to let others know where I stand just makes perfect sense.

Upon arriving in Springfield (and finally finding a place to park) I attended a Press Conference where several religious leaders spoke in support of Marriage Equality.  The bill has already passed through the Senate Executive Committee and is now on its way to the Senate.  Our work in Springfield this day was to speak with our Senators and Representatives to let them know that there are clergy and religious communities in their Districts who are in full support of this legislation.

Following the Press Conference, our group of clergy gathered for lunch and some instruction from the extremely knowledgeable and very-well organized folks from Equality Illinois.  www.eqil.org  During this time we were encouraged to work in small groups to locate and dialogue with those representing our various Districts.

Unfortunately, because sessions were cancelled for today (Thursday), many of our Representatives sprinted to their cars following the Governor’s State of the State Address and headed back home. 

Our group was able to connect with Representative Darlene Senger. www.senger.ilhousegop.org  Five clergy sat in her office and had a wonderful conversation.  She shared with us that she is yet to make a decision on this issue and talked of the ongoing struggle that this issue continues to raise... how does it fit within one’s faith?

As she spoke with our group I felt honored that she would take the time to listen to what we had to say and thanked us when we offered to provide answers for questions she may have in her decision-making process.

The reality is... I think the most difficult piece of this discussion does often fall along faith lines.  For those of us who have been raised in more conservative communities... of course this is going to be a tough decision.  For those of us who have yet to see how our lives have been impacted by our LGBTQ sisters and brothers... of course it is difficult to put a personal perspective on it.  And for those of us who simply lack the appropriate information on a tough issue such as this... of course it is more comfortable to dig our heels in.

All-in-all, the issue of Marriage Equality is one that obviously is important to me... as a gay man.  And yesterday, while navigating the process of lobbying in Springfield (which did involved passing through the security checkpoints at least 7 or 8 times... being “wanded” all but one time) I was again reminded of how important this issue is for so many others. 

I spoke with a couple who have been together for many years and who have recently had their Civil Union ceremony.  The one thing I kept hearing in their words was the reality that Civil Union is still not equal to Marriage. 

And don’t even get me going on the “Gay Marriage” piece.  If I didn’t get up this morning and “Gay Brush” my teeth... then my LGBTQ sisters and brothers don’t need to be fighting for the right to be “Gay Married.”

It’s MARRIAGE, people!  That’s it!  Nothing more!  Nothing less!

I believe my time in Springfield was beneficial within this process.  I believe that our group’s collective voice was heard... by many.  But the work is not complete.

I urge those of you who also feel that this issue is important to not wait as I have to become more active in the process.  Please... PLEASE... take a few minutes out of your day and contact your elected officials.  Let them know that you too are in support of the Marriage Bill. 

If you are nervous about calling them... call me first.  I’ll be happy to walk you through it.  It’s actually much easier and less anxiety-provoking than I thought it would be. 

Don’t know who your Senator or Representatives are?  Don’t worry.  I can help you with that too. 

So come on!  Join with so many others to encourage our leaders to do what is right... to bring about fairness and security for LGBTQ couples in our state.  It will only be possible if we all pitch in. 

Let your voice be heard.  Mine was... and it will be again!