Same-Sex Marriage Bill Ignites Dueling Protests in Western Springs

A protest against the same-sex marriage bill awaiting a vote in the Illinois House stayed relatively peaceful Saturday afternoon, save for one physical confrontation outside State Rep. Jim Durkin’s Western Springs office.

About 75 protesters from the Illinois Family Institute (IFI) gathered at 915 55^th St. from 3-4 p.m. to oppose what they call a “fundamental change in our culture normalizing homosexual behavior.”

IFI Director David Smith said the group targeted Durkin’s office for one of three protests on Saturday because the Republican 82^nd District representative has not taken a stance on Senate Bill 10. The Illinois Senate voted to approve the bill in February.

“If he does not understand the moral issue of it, we’re here to shed a little light on it and help him do the right thing,” Smith said.

Roughly a dozen counter-protesters gathered to support the bill on the other side of barricades Western Springs police erected.

One man who disputed IFI’s message began yelling during Americans for Truth about Homosexuality President Peter LaBarbera’s speech. The man broke one of the IFI protester’s signs before police intervened.

“Disagreement does not equal hate,” said Peter LaBarbera, in response to the man.

Smith addressed the scuffle later in the program.

“They’re the ones bullying us and intimidating Christians into silence,” he said. “I say no more.”

Counter-protester Bob Mueller said before the rally started that he believes same-sex marriage is an issue not of religion but of equal rights.

“That’s what they don’t seem to understand,” he said. “Freedom of religion is not imposing your religion on someone else.”

A group of teenage boys stopped by the protest briefly and returned later with signs they scrawled on pizza boxes and the back of a guitar.

“God hates hate,” read one. “Equality above all!” said another.

Protesters from the Chicago-based Gay Liberation Network (GLN) and Civil Rights Agenda originally planned a counter protest, as well, but decided to focus instead on rallies taking place Saturday at offices of Democratic representatives in Aurora and Chicago Heights.

Durkin did not attend Saturday’s event. Although he has said in the past that he opposes same-sex marriage, he said Friday that he has not yet made a decision on Senate Bill 10.

"There’s an issue regarding benefits that I’m studying that I’m going to study more," he said. "I don’t have an opinion on bill at the moment." 

Durkin voted against a bill in November 2010 authorizing civil unions.

Western Springs Police Chief Pamela Church said she has not seen anything in the village like the protest during her eight years with the department. She said the village installed the metal barriers to keep participants orderly and protect them from traffic along 55^th Street.

“We’re here to ensure the safety of those participants who are practicing their First Amendment right to free speech and assembly,” she said.

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