Chicago Mayor Favors Homosexual Marriage
Newly elected Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said he hopes to see Illinois follow in New York’s footsteps by legalizing same-sex marriage. However, the former White House Chief of Staff stopped short of commenting on President Obama’s refusal to fully endorse homosexual marriage.
“I would hope that the state would move in that direction,” said Emanuel in an interview with Wolf Blitzer on CNN. “Tremendous progress has been made across the country on a value statement. And I think that’s very important.”
Emanuel’s remarks were made on the same day President Obama once again sidestepped the issue by not fully stating his opinion on same-sex marriage, only calling it “a good thing.”
Homosexual activists are becoming impatient at the president’s unwillingness to embrace their agenda.
But what if the president asked his former Chief of Staff for advice on the issue?
“Whatever perspective I have, I’ll share with him,” Emanuel stated. “We talk as two friends, as well as – two friends from Chicago, as well as a former Chief of Staff.”
During his campaign for mayor of Chicago, Emanuel pledged his support for homosexual marriage. Additionally, he praised Illinois lawmakers for a bill that recognized civil unions in the state.
On the same day the Illinois law took effect, Emanuel officiated over the civil union of David Spielfogel, one of his top aides.
Dave Smith, executive director with the Illinois Family Institute knows Mayor Emanuel’s political leanings quite well. Smith has watched him as a Congressman, White House Chief of Staff and now as mayor of Chicago.
“I’m not surprised at all my Mayor Emanuel’s comments,” said Smith. “I do find it amazing he is willing to completely ignore the citizens of Chicago who have religious convictions for a handful of wealthy donors who support the homosexual agenda though.”
Same-sex marriage bills have seen a flurry of activity over the past few months. Most recently, New York State passed a law legalizing same-sex marriage. A civil unions bill just passed the Rhode Island Senate earlier this week.
The National Organization of Marriage and other pro-family organizations are vowing to fight to protect traditional marriage and are already preparing strategies for Minnesota and several other states. These groups have successfully lobbied for laws and constitutional amendments in over 30 states thus far.