While the marriage equality bill continues to lie stagnant in Illinois, more than 50 Illinois-based businesses and executives have signed an open letter to state lawmakers to help convince them to vote in favor of the legislation.
“To be competitive, a state must create an equitable, fair and respectful environment for all of its citizens,” the letter said. “For this reason—among others—it is vitally important that Illinois lawmakers enact marriage equality soon.”
In addition to Google, Orbitz Worldwide and Groupon, individual signers of the letter include Desiree Rogers, CEO of Johnson Publishing Co.; Lance Chody, CEO of Garrett Popcorn Shops; Fred Eychaner, chairman of the Newsweb Corp.; and Laura Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, reports the Chicago Tribune. Ricketts, along with Eychaner, are also helping to fund the statewide push for equality.
The letter continues, noting the competitive edge that marriage equality states have over Illinois.
“States with the metro areas of New York City, Seattle, Boston and Baltimore have already legalized marriage equality,” the letter said. “Here in the Midwest, Iowa has granted full marriage equality, while Minnesota is poised to do the same later this year. Illinois simply cannot afford to be less competitive than other states.”
Photo: ontopmag.com
Brittny Drye is the senior editor at Equally Wed, the nation’s premier online magazine for gay and lesbian weddings and honeymoons. Follow her on Twitter @BrittnyDrye.
