The Catholic Conference of Illinois tonight issued a statement after the Illinois House adjourned its spring session without considering redefinition of marriage legislation.
Senate Bill 10 calls for the state to change its legal definition of marriage from "between a man and a woman" to "between two persons." The legislation passed the Illinois Senate on Feb. 14, 2013, and was the subject of a contentious battle in the House.
State Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, sponsor of SB 10, announced tonight that he would not call the measure for a vote, and asked his fellow lawmakers to return to their districts, talk to their constituents about the issue, and return in October to possibly vote on the measure.
Our statement follows, and can be seen here as a PDF.
STATEMENT OF CATHOLIC CONFERENCE OF ILLINOIS
ON SENATE BILL 10
CHICAGO – The Bishops of Illinois are profoundly grateful that Illinois House lawmakers listened to their constituents and declined to consider legislation that would redefine marriage in Illinois. The Catholic Church and many others have fought hard to oppose this legislation and to preserve our shared religious, legal and cultural understanding of marriage as God and nature intended: the permanent and exclusive relationship between a man and a woman committed to one another and their children. We are most grateful to all those who have courageously joined us in this effort.
The Catholic Church has respect and pastoral concern for our brothers and sisters who have same-sex attraction. We offer our prayerful support to them and their families.
We realize this issue will continue. Catholics and their Church must continue to engage our culture, even through political institutions, and be a consistent advocate for what is right and just while serving the needs of our community to the very best of our ability.
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