Quigley Statement on Illinois Concealed Carry Ruling“Today’s ruling is a disappointing setback as we work to end the gun violence that plagues our community and claims innocent lives. I am hopeful that Illinois lawmakers will take swift action to ensure that our state has common-sense gun laws that balance public safety with Second Amendment rights,” said ... |
Quigley Statement on SCOTUS Hearing Marriage Equality Cases“The Supreme Court’s decision to take up the issue of same-sex marriage is a major step forward for lesbian and gay Americans who have long fought for their constitutional right to fairness and equality. The Defense of Marriage Act is an affront to our country’s values of ‘life, liberty and ... |
Honoring Local First Chicago"The impact that independent and locally owned businesses have on our communities comes as no surprise. The lasting economic, social, and environmental outcomes are essential to the growth and sustainability of our neighborhoods. More than seven years ago, a non-profit organization named Local First Chicago was formed with one purpose ... |
poland israel choice equality defense economy health hockey reform immigration veterans environment district district; economy budget committees foreign_affairs transportation gun control foreign affairs
To find out about Tag Clouds, click here.| Quigley Brings Local Testimony on Same-Sex Marriage to Congress |
 |
 |
 |
| Friday, 09 December 2011 15:34 |
|
WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives against the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), citing testimony received from prominent speakers and community organizations during a field hearing held in Chicago. Rep. Quigley’s speech was as follows: “Mister Speaker, in 1996 Congress passed the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA. It was then, and still is today, an affront to our country’s values. Values we hold true, as established in the Declaration of Independence – of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” and of equality and fairness for all. “On October 7, 2011, I held a field forum in Chicago to hear from legal experts and gay and lesbian couples about the real-world harm caused by DOMA. The findings were startling. I heard from parents afraid to take their children across state lines. I heard about children afraid that the “government” will take them away from their parents. I heard from a high-tech entrepreneur who might take his business and jobs to Brazil because he can’t sponsor his partner. And, I heard from couples that can’t count on Social Security, even though they’re legally married and have paid their fair share of taxes. “I ask that the Clerk enter all of their testimony into the record, to formally document this collection of unfairness and inequity, burdens that are imposed on normal Americans just trying to live a normal life. “It is incomprehensible that today we are still dealing with such injustice. Congress created this injustice and Congress should correct it. “Let the record reflect these sentiments.” In total 17 testimonials were received on behalf of numerous same-sex couples affected by DOMA, as well as national legal experts and public officials. Organizations that submitted testimony included CBA LGBT Committee, Equality Illinois, Heartland Alliance/National Immigrant Justice Center, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Lambda Legal, and the LGBT Immigration Coalition. The full record of testimony can be found here . Video of Rep. Quigley’s speech can be found here.
### |
To Contact Congressman Quigley: Email Congressman Quigley
Washington, DC Office • 1124 Longworth HOB • Washington, DC 20515 • Phone: (202) 225-4061 • Fax: (202) 225-5603 • View Google Directions 
District Office • 3742 West Irving Park Road • Chicago, IL 60618 • Phone: (773) 267-5926 • Fax: (773) 267-6583 • View Google Directions
Satellite District Office • 1057 West Belmont Avenue • Chicago, IL 60657 • View Google Directions
