In Illinois: Pro-gay Catholics protest Bishop Thomas John Paprocki's Gay Exorcism - VIDEO

While Thomas Paprocki performed his exorcism against gayness, there were pro-gay Catholics protesting him. Here's more

Bishop Paprocki to Hold 'Prayers of Exorcism' on Gay Marriage in Illinois

Next week, once Gov. Pat Quinn signs the gay marriage bill in Illinois, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki will perform a special exorcism against the homosexual demons in the state.

Yes, Bishop Poppycock is going to save the sinners of Illinois with his prayers of Greyskull. He even released a statement about it. Here's some of it:

Bishop Paprocki noted, “The pope’s reference to the ‘father of lies’ comes from the Gospel of John (8:44), where Jesus refers to the devil as ‘a liar and the father of lies.’ So Pope Francis is saying that same-sex ‘marriage’ comes from the devil and should be condemned as such.”

The prayers for “Supplication and Exorcism Which May Be Used in Particular Circumstances of the Church” are taken from the Appendices to the 2004 Latin edition of the Rite of Exorcism, the introduction to which explains, “The presence of the Devil and other demons appears and exists not only in the tempting or tormenting of persons, but also in the penetration of things and places in a certain manner by their activity, and in various forms of opposition to and persecution of the church. If the diocesan bishop, in particular situations, judges it appropriate to announce gatherings of the faithful for prayer, under the leadership and direction of a priest, elements for arranging a rite of supplication may be taken from [the texts provided in these appendices].”

This is some Flaming mess. Really, Bishop? Exorcism? I hope Pzuzu comes for him.

Brian Brown whines over Illinois

Here's his statement on Illinois Marriage Equality

“It’s disappointing but not surprising that the House has voted to redefine marriage. The losers will be the people of Illinois who will see that redefining marriage will unleash a torrent of harassment toward those who believe that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. Once the law goes into effect in June of next year, we will see individuals, businesses and religious groups sued, fined, brought up on charges of discrimination and punished simply for holding true to the traditional view of marriage. The legislation that has been adopted contains no meaningful protections for religious liberty. We will see a torrent of actions aimed at people of faith and religious groups. All we need to do is recall the words of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel when Chick-fil-A’s CEO expressed his support for true marriage. Emanuel pledged that businesses like that would not be allowed to operate in Chicago.”

Get over it, there are more states turning our way.

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President Obama's Statement on Illinois passing Marriage Equality

Tonight, I applaud the men and women of the Illinois General Assembly, a body in which I was proud to serve, for voting to legalize marriage equality in my home state.

As President, I have always believed that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated fairly and equally under the law. Over time, I also came to believe that same-sex couples should be able to get married like anyone else. So tonight, Michelle and I are overjoyed for all the committed couples in Illinois whose love will now be as legal as ours – and for their friends and family who have long wanted nothing more than to see their loved ones treated fairly and equally under the law.

I also commend the members of the General Assembly for approaching this issue in a fair and open way, and for recognizing the importance of our commitment to religious freedom by engaging the religious community in this conversation. Throughout this debate, they’ve made it clear that this is about civil marriages and civil laws, and made sure that churches and other institutions of faith are still free to make their own decisions that conform to their own teachings.

As I said in my Inaugural Address last January, our journey as a nation is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law, for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. And tonight, I’m so proud that the men and women elected to serve the people of the great state of Illinois have chosen to take us one step further on that journey to perfect our union.

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Illinois House & Senate passes Marriage Equality Bill!

Illinois will have Marriage Equality!

Illinois House of Representatives just passed SB-10, which grants gay couples the freedom to marry. The vote was 61-54.

Now, it goes back to the Illinois Senate, who is all on board and prepared to act on the bill tonight. Then, the Governor will sign the bill. Yes, we are moving forward and onward!

UPDATE: Illinois Senate passes the bill, 32-21! Goes to Gov. to sign!

In Illinois: Gay Leader creates a PAC to mobilize People of Color for Marriage Equality

Gay activist and former U.S. Marine Corps sergeant, Marquell Smith has launched the Inclusive Community Project PAC to gather gay marriage support from people of color in Illinois.

Once he learned that 60% of African-Americans support marriage equality, he made it a mission to find them and bring them over to the good side.

Marquell said:

“My goal is to get into the community. My goal is to go out and find those 60% of African-Americans [and urge them] to go to their lawmakers. I believe that when you harness the power of the people, you can accomplish so much.”

and...

“There were very few minorities. I was getting a feeling that there weren’t a lot of people standing up who looked like me. The whole idea behind this is to get citizens to really stand up and get people of color to get behind [same-sex] marriage.”

Good luck, Marquell. Our community needs a leader like you.

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'Illinois Can't Wait' Campaign for Gay Marriage starts Now! - VIDEO

READ the Illinois House Democrats' Apology Letter for Marriage Fallout

Dear Marriage Equality Advocates, 

Like you, we are incredibly disappointed about what happened Friday in Springfield. But let's not forget something very important: Marriage equality is going to happen. 

As a community, we must come together, assess our strategy, and redouble our efforts in the fight for fundamental fairness. This is not the time for us to splinter – for that is exactly what our opponents want. 

The more united we are in the coming days and weeks, the sooner the bill will get passed – and the sooner our dream of full equality will become a reality. 

We want to extend our sincerest apologies to the families who rushed to Springfield in the waning hours of session to support equality in anticipation of this historic vote. You have been and continue to be our inspiration and we pledge to fight together until we achieve full equality for all Illinois families.

15 members of the Illinois House signed this letter

Black Lawmakers tell LGBT Activists: Don't Blame the Black Caucus over the stalled Illinois Marriage Equality vote

The falled Illinois marriage vote blame has begun, and guess who getting the blame. Black folks! ding, ding, ding!

But the funny thing is, you can't blame the Black caucus. In fact, two members of the Black Caucus — Rep. Ken Dunkin and Rep. LaShawn Ford spoke out about it:

“It’s larger than that. We have 118 members and we have 71 Democrats who could have passed this bill,” Ford said. “So the fact that we didn’t pass it is not the fault of the Black Caucus. What happened is that we had democracy at its best and the people spoke and their representatives listened.” 

In addition, Dunkin said marriage equality is not a civil rights issue and marriage equality advocates may have offended black lawmakers when they equated the two. 

“Sorry, this is not the Black Caucus’ burden issue,” he said. “We shouldn’t be wearing the jacket for this. That would be unfair and disingenuous to have the Black Caucus wear the jacket because there are 71 Democrats.”

What's been disheartening is how several LGBT bloggers and activists blame them without knowing everything that happened.

I'm not siding with the Black Caucus because I'm Black. I"m just saying it's lazy and irresponsible to do so if you don't have all the facts.

So, to those who completely blamed the Black Caucus, shame on you.

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In Illinois: The Marriage Equality vote push back to November

Sad news for the LGBT community in Illinois.

The hopes to vote on marriage equality has been pushed to November. Rep. Greg Harris did not call for a vote on his gay marriage bill.

His speech showed his disappointment:

“As chief sponsor of this legislation, decisions surrounding the legislation are mine and mine alone. Several of my colleages have indicated they’d not be willing to cast a vote on this bill today, Harris said shortly after 7 p.m. 

“And I’ve never been sadder to accept this request, but I have to keep my eye, as we all must, on the ultimate prize. They’ve asked for time to go back to their districts, talk to their constituents and reach out to their minds and hearts and have told me they’ll return in November with their word that they’re prepared to support this legislation. 

“And I take my colleagues at their word they shall.”

The battle continues

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A Letter from Brian Brown

Dear vik, 

We have only 3 days to defeat gay-marriage activists in Illinois, where the General Assembly adjourns this Friday. 

Our opponents have been fighting for months in this deep blue state to pass a bill redefining marriage — but our side has been fighting even harder to stop them. NOM has dedicated over one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars to this critical fight. 

Please help NOM continue to support those who are fighting on the front lines of this good fight with your donation of $35, $50 or $100 right away. 

This is our last opportunity to score a legislative victory for marriage before the Supreme Court hands down their rulings on marriage next month. 

Our sources on the ground tell us the vote could be as soon as tomorrow or the day after (Thursday). Gay-marriage activists are claiming they have the votes, but we know they don't yet!

Child please, folks save your money for a two piece and biscuit.

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Interesting Quote: Marquell Smith

Some representatives have cited traditional religious beliefs as a reason they voted "no" on civil unions, and will likely vote "no" to marriage equality. It breaks my heart that any elected leader would use the good people in African- American churches as justification to limit the rights of others, based on the prejudices of how we were raised. 

Like you I'm African-American. I learned that the struggles of our people are a symbol of hope for those being discriminated against. We cannot let an important vehicle of past struggles —African-American churches— become the gatekeepers of the rights to dignity of others. Who are we to deny someone else the right to marry because we don't agree with who they love? 

Equality begins when people in positions of power enable everyone to live lives of decency and dignity, free from any prejudice in the law. Black folks did not want anyone's permission to live freely; we can not rest until this dream is realized for everyone. Despite our legacy we are now the very people denying others their equal rights. I'm inclined to believe that we can do better but we can't do it without your support.

Marquell is an ex-Marine who is pleading for black lawmakers in the Illinois House to vote "yes" on Marriage Equality. Please read the rest of his letter.

In Chicago, Black Faith Leaders stand for Marriage Equality

Black faith leaders in Chicago are standing up for Marriage Equality. Several church leaders will be leading the charge for the Illinois Gay marriage fight starting NOW.

Chicago Phoenix reports:

“Gay and lesbian couples believe in family and commitment,” said Rev. Richard L. Tolliver of St. Edmund’s Episcopal/Anglican Church in the Englewood neighborhood. “All families benefit from the protections and security marriage brings. This is about equality and justice. This is a matter of equal protection under the law for all citizens. This is not a religious issue.”

The push comes amid what proponents of the bill characterize as “amazing momentum” gained over the legislative break and recent polling which demonstrates massive support among Illinois African-Americans for legal gay and lesbian nuptials, according to Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois. In December, a Public Policy Poll found that 60 percent of African-Americans surveyed support marriage equality and 16 percent oppose such laws.

“Despite what others say, the African-American community understands [the differences in marriage rights],” Tolliver said. “Now is not the time to stop upholding our long social justice tradition fighting for the equal legal protection of all citizens. We should treat all families with equity and respect and the Illinois Legislature should act now. Now is the right time.”

This is so good to hear. Change the game, folks.

Illinois Senate votes to legalize Marriage Equality

Could Illinois be the next state to legalize marriage equality?

Today, the Senate voted to lift a ban on gay marriage in the state! The vote was 34-21 to approve the measure, now it goes to the state House where Democrats holds majority.

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Illinois Senate Committee passes Marriage Equality bill

Sen. Heather Steans, the bill's sponsor hugs Rep. Greg Harris

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2013/01/03/2576538/illinois-senate-delays-gay-marriage.html#.UOaw6oURfbk#storylink=cpy

Yesterday afternoon, the Illinois Senate committee passed the Marriage Equality bill with the vote 8 to 5.

Now, the bill can now move to the full Senate. If any of you saw some of the live-streaming; you heard some foolishness from some preacher guy, spitting out the same old religion mess that doesn't hold a lick of worth. I thought it was sad, funny, but sad.

However, once the vote was completed, folks cheered loudly, making it known that marriage equality was getting closer to reality. This was a good day in Illinois.

President Obama urges Illinois lawmakers to legalize Gay Marriage

President Barack Obama is reaching out to his peeps in the Illinois General Assembly to legalize gay marriage in the state. This issue is coming up this week, so he hopes to get folks on board.

"While the president does not weigh in on every measure being considered by state legislatures, he believes in treating everyone fairly and equally, with dignity and respect," White House spokesman Shin Inouye told the Chicago Sun-Times on Saturday.

"As he has said, his personal view is that it's wrong to prevent couples who are in loving, committed relationships, and want to marry, from doing so. Were the President still in the Illinois State Legislature, he would support this measure that would treat all Illinois couples equally," Inouye said.

The lead sponsors of the "Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act," state Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and state Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago), intend to put the measure up for a vote during the upcoming January lame-duck session.

The toughest challenge for gay marriage backers will be winning passage in the Illinois House. Prospects for approval in the Illinois Senate--where Obama once served--are brighter.

The President's voice is paramount in this process. I hope it pays off.

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