Business Provides Main Street Support for the Marriage Bill

January 13, 2013
via Equality Illinios

Business Provides Main Street Support for the Marriage Bill
Reaction from Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois
Earlier today, businesses and executives released an open letter to
the General Assembly in support of the marriage equality bill
because it is good for business and a Main Street value.
"These business leaders make fact-driven decisions everyday and
are motivated by logic and reason. They see no reason to deny
loving, committed couples equal access to the benefits and
responsibilities of civil marriage. At the same time, they
acknowledge that in their offices, factories, stores, restaurants and
hotels, a diverse workforce is essential for success," said Bernard
Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois.

"Illinois legislators should recognize that to benefit everyone in
Illinois and build a stronger future, the state must remain
competitive. Passing marriage equality is a major step in that
direction," Cherkasov said.
The Illinois business letter of support was built from a foundation
laid by the Equality Illinois Report: The Business Case for Marriage
Equality. The report includes "Ten Reasons Business Leaders
Support Marriage Equality" and also lists national brands and
national business leaders who support marriage equality.

"These national brands and executives support marriage equality
and value diversity, and Illinois has to answer to that when the
companies look for new places to do business," Cherkasov said.
"The demands of our modern, interconnected business world
should lead Illinois lawmakers to join the right side of history."