Chico makes pitch to gays, supports civil unions :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Elections

Chico makes pitch to gays, supports civil unions

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BY MARY HOULIHAN Staff Reporter mhoulihan@suntimes.com

In a meeting Sunday at Ann Sather's restaurant, mayoral candidate Gery Chico laid out his platform regarding issues important to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

No. 1 on the list was support of the passage of Senate Bill 1716 that would legalize civil unions for same-sex couples in Illinois. It will be considered by the General Assembly on Tuesday.

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Gery Chico arrives at Ann Sather's restaurant Sunday.
(Brian Jackson/Sun-Times)

Chico said he would spend time today reaching out to state legislators and urging them to support the bill.

"This is a civil rights issue," Chico said. "It's just that easy. And it's not the end of the line but the road to looking at same-sex marriage."

When Chico ran for U.S. Senate in 2004, he was the only candidate who supported gay marriage, said Rick Garcia, director of Public Policy at Equality Illinois.

"Long before it was popular and the politically correct thing to do, Gery stood with the gay rights community."

Chico said as mayor he would advocate for domestic partner benefits and the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. He also said he would work on behalf of the LGBT community in other areas, including equal employment, economic development, community partnerships, HIV/AIDS issues, transgender equality and hate crimes.

Chico said his goal is to "make a commitment of ideas, not platitudes and generalities."

The Chicago LGBT community has grown used to having a mayor who responds to the issues, Garcia said. "Mayor Daley was one of the few mayors who fought for our community and we cannot loose that," he said.

Loyola University student Rachel Dean agreed.

"It's important we support a candidate who will stand by his word," Dean said. "We need a mayor who is strong and open about the issues."

Mayoral candidate Rahm Emanuel also has urged legislators to pass Senate Bill 1716, said spokesman Ben LaBolt, adding that Emanuel also was "integral to the efforts at the federal level to allow hospital visitation rights for LGBT couples, and as Congressman he secured funding and built support for the Center on Halsted."

via suntimes.com

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