Growing Support Spurs Marriage Equality Vigil in Woodstock

Some of the participants in the firs Roadside Vigil for Marriage Equality in McHenry.

“This week Minnesota joined Rhode Island and Delaware becoming the third state to enact marriage equality legislation in the last month,” Patrick Murfin, Social Justice Committee chair of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry (Tree of Life) said.  “With growing public support in Illinois we join Governor Pat Quinn in urging the state House of Representatives to vote for the landmark bill which has already passed the Senate.”

Members of the, U.U. Congregation, Parents and Families of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and Fortunate Families, a Catholic family group will once again be holding a silent roadside vigil in support of Marriage Equality in Illinois.  They will gather this time in Woodstock at the corner of South Eastwood Drive (Rt. 47) and Country Club Road on Friday, May 17 from 5 to 6:30 pm.

After quick passage in the Senate, a vote on the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act stalled in the lower house while the chamber turned its attention to pension reform, the concealed carry gun debate, and other contentious issues.

Advocates for and against same gender marriage have ginned up lobbying efforts in the meantime.

“It is particularly important for legislators to know that not all religious communities and individuals oppose civil marriage for all,” Murfin said. “Many religious voices join us in Standing on the Side of Love.”

Previous vigils were held in McHenry and Crystal Lake where they drew strong support from passing motorists.

Anyone can join the vigil.  Volunteers are urged to bring their own signs and maintain a thoughtful and respectful attitude.

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