CHICAGO — A coalition of Chicago-area black clergy have started “robocalls” in opposition to legalizing same-sex marriage in Illinois.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported that the African-American Clergy Coalition launched another round of calls on Monday.
The 40-second messages feature the voice of former state Sen. James Meeks, who is senior pastor of Chicago’s Salem Baptist Church.
In the message Meeks says in his view “same-sex marriage should not be the law of the state of Illinois.”
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Last month, the group began airing 60-second commercials on black-oriented radio stations and also plans a “street campaign” to supplement the telephone campaign.
The state Senate has already approved legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry. It awaits a floor vote in the House, where Speaker Michael Madigan has said passing it will be “very difficult.”
Last week, the leader of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus signed on to co-sponsor the measure to legalize same-sex marriage in the state.
Rep. Ken Dunkin, the head of the 30-member group, announced his support for the legislation, and said gay families living in his district are waiting for the state to treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Gov. Pat Quinn supports the bill and said he would sign it into law if passed by the legislature.
