Stubborn resistance within the House Black Caucus, a 20-member bloc of African-American lawmakers who have faced a withering lobbying blitz against the plan from black ministers, has helped keep Harris’ legislation in check, with several House members still undecided.“For me, there’s really no net gain for me one way or another. I’m hearing equally. Do I philosophically disagree? No, I don’t. But I would like to see absolute protections for churches and religious organizations so they’re not pushed into something they don’t want,” said Rep. Will Davis (D-Homewood). “For me, [a decision] will literally be when the bill comes up and after I sit and listen.”Several in the caucus have urged Harris to push the issue into the fall veto session — after which nominating petitions for the 2014 ballot have to be filed — to bring up same-sex marriage for a House vote.“The sense I have is blacks are tired of being lobbied or targeted. They’ve kind of turned back on some of the advocates and lobbyists and are asking, ‘Why don’t you get some Republicans?’” one high-level Democratic insider said Friday.
And yes, black ministers are certainly in the wrong here...but so are Republicans.
Two House Republicans have publicly endorsed the legislation, Rep. Ed Sullivan (R-Antioch) and Rep. Ron Sandack (R-Downers Grove). A likely third GOP supporter, Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Westchester), switched to a no as he contemplated a possible run for House Republican leader.Quinn has spent weeks pitching rank-and-file members, and Attorney General Lisa Madigan joined the effort in making calls Thursday, when at least five black House members, including Davis, reported hearing from Madigan.
Only 3 Republicans out of 47 are even considering the vote. Why are LGBT advocates in Illinois stupidly hanging the shame solely on African-American legislators?
Oh yes, that's been the plan all along, to fracture the Democrats when the real bad guys are the Republicans.
What gay advocates are "hanging the shame" on African American lawmakers? Links?
ReplyDeleteI think the only evidence of homophobia here is hysterical, privileged asshole Zandar immediately accusing the entire LGBTQ community of attacking his straight cis self without provocation, without cause, without links or for that matter without a shred of decency or common sense.
ReplyDeleteSo thanks for proving the stereotype of the black homobigot. Way to go!
i'm an illinois voter. i expect illinois republican legislators to be dicks (just like the people who vote for them!). i just wish illinois democratic legislators – both black and white – would occasionally act like democrats.
ReplyDeletefoolish me, i know.
And I wish Zandar would act like a human being and not a gay-bashing asshole. It seems we're both desitned to be disappointed.
ReplyDelete