Illinois Pro-Family Groups to Kick-off Statewide Marriage Bus Tour

The 'United We Stand--Defending Marriage' bus will visit 14 cities in Illinois, from Oct. 16-22, in support of traditional marriage.
By Katherine T. Phan

As the election draws closer, a coalition of pro-family groups in Illinois is sponsoring a state-wide bus tour in support of traditional marriage will kick off the rally tomorrow.

The "United We Stand--Defending Marriage” will begin its 14-city bus tour in Chicago at 2 p.m. then meet with Elmhurst supporters at 5 p.m. Sponsors of the pro-traditional marriage rally include Illinois Family Institute and Concerned Women for America of Illinois.

The rally comes just weeks after the House voted down the Marriage Protection Amendment, which would define marriage as between a man and a woman.

Earlier this year, Massachusetts legalized same-sex “marriage” sparking both a movement by homosexual activists to legalize same-sex "marriages" across the nation and a pro-family movement to stop it. Pro-family advocates began cheering on a constitutional amendment defining marriage. Although the Senate filibustered the amendment in July, the setback only spurred on pro-family efforts to protect traditional marriage by holding rallies and petition drives.

In fact, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to gather for a national marriage rally, called “May Day for Marriage,” on Friday at the National Mall in Washington D.C. The event will feature prominent pro-family speakers.

Currently, up to 11 states are slated to vote on a constitutional amendment defining marriage on Nov. 2. Illinois has no such measure up for vote since a proposed initiative to allow state voters to decide on the amendment was stalled by House Speaker Mike Madigan and did not meet the deadline for the fall ballot.

During the kick-off rally, all Illinois U.S. Senate candidates, including Barack Obama (D) and Alan Keyes (R) will have the chance to answer the question: "What would you do to preserve traditional marriage in Illinois?"

“United We Stand members believe that only the voters of Illinois -- not unelected judges, homosexual activists, nor the politicians who are subservient to them -- should decide if non- marital relationships are to be treated in the law as equal to married relationships,” declared the group in a statement.

The group also said it believes “that the people of Illinois will approve an amendment ensuring that real marriage retains the special status it deserves as the building block of a healthy society-one that honors God and nurtures children.”

Rally sponsors are: Coalition to Protect Marriage: Illinois Family Institute; Concerned Women for America of Illinois; African American Family Association; Vote Life America; The Walsh Forum; Family Taxpayer Network; Catholic Citizens of Illinois, Culture Campaign; Concerned Citizens of America (of Rockford); Eagle Forum; Illinois Family Coalition; Concerned Christian Americans; Citizens for Community Values of Illinois; Concerned Citizens- Safety of Students (CC-SOS); and Reclaiming Christian Values (Olney).

For rally locations and times, visit http://www.illinoisfamily.org or http://illinois.cwfa.org, or call IFI at 630-790-8370.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories