Whereas, committed same-sex couples want the right to stand in front of family and friends and make a lifetime promise to each other. Whereas, marriage strengthens families and gives loving committed couples the ability to care for each other and their families. Whereas, the Catholic church can support freedom to marry under civil law, while offering sacramental marriage to couples of their choosing. Whereas, Jesus taught us to love and treat our neighbors as ourselves. Whereas, Illinois has the responsibility to protect the freedom to marry of all committed couples. Whereas, Catholics come in all kinds, and there are many same-sex good Catholic couples in our parishes and families. Whereas. the children of all families deserve a secure life and better future. We encourage our state lawmakers to support and pass "The Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act" legalizing same-sex marriage