Oak Park Supports Civil Unions
On July 6, 2007, the Oak Park Village Board of Trustees unanimously approved a Resolution in support of Illinois HB 1826: “Illinois Religious Freedom and Civil Union Act.” This Bill, if approved by the State Legislature, would establish a civil union law in Illinois. This law would grant same-sex partners the State benefits now awarded to those who are civilly married in the State.
If the State Legislature approves the measure, Illinois will become the sixth state in the country to establish a civil union law.
Spearheaded by Village Trustee and former OPALGA Co-Chair Ray Johnson, the Resolution was read by Village President David Pope and passed unanimously by voice vote.
In a press release issued by OPALGA before the vote by the Village Board, OPALGA Public Policy Chair Alan Amato said, “I am confident this Resolution will garner unanimous approval from the Oak Park Village Board. Oak Park has lead the way in fostering community diversity. This is a logical next step.”
Oak Park Again in the Forefront
With this action, the Village of Oak Park became the first municipality in the entire State to support HB 1826.
Soon after passage of the Resolution, The OPALGA Center was contacted by residents of DuPage County, asking for a copy of the Resolution so they can present a similar Resolution to village boards in that county. According to Rick Garcia, Political Director of Equality Illinois, interest in the Oak Park Resolution has come from around the State.
Resolution Gains Press Interest
The Resolution has garnered press attention throughout metropolitan Chicago. In addition to interviews with the local press (Wednesday Journal and Oak Leaves), OPALGA representatives were interviewed by the Chicago gay press as well as the Chicago Tribune. Reports of the passage of the Resolution were also aired on WGN-TV and several radio stations.
We Need YOU to Take Action!
It is extremely important that we contact our State Representatives to request the support of HB 1826. PLEASE take a few minutes to contact your State Rep!
Representative LaShawn K. Ford (8th District)
5104 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL 60651
(773) 378-5902
(8th District: Adams to Roosevelt, Austin to Harlem)
Representative Deborah Graham (78th District)
6101 W. North Ave.
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 445-9520
(78th District: North to Madison, Austin to Harlem)
Meetings to Be Organized
OPALGA will also be organizing meetings with our State Representatives to gain their support of HB 1826. If you are interested in helping to organize these meetings and attending, please contact Alan Amato at .
