This district is heavily populated by gays and lesbians. I do not see where Christopher stands on gays?
- Darren

I am for full equality for Gay, Lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals. As alderman I will work with my colleagues at the State level to make Illinois a state where Gay marriage is legal. I will also continue an open dialogue with the police and city departments to ensure that Gay rights are respected and discrimination is dealt with quickly and firmly.

Our community prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. Yet our local leadership lacks the courage to say no to those who condone and actively discriminate against the GLBT community. The Rickover Naval Academy was forced upon our community against our will and without regard to its discrimination toward the GLBT community. Until the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is changed, I feel the city of Chicago should join with cities like San Francisco and Portland, Oregon and refuse to do business with organizations that discriminate against our citizens. (see the attached letter to CPS from concerned teachers below)

Additionally, I believe that discrimination against consenting adults who wish to marry and enjoy the rights bestowed upon married couples is a violation of human and civil rights. I further believe it is a violation of the separation of Church and State. If your church or place of worship believes that your marriage ought to be sanctified in the eyes of God, then the State of Illinois should respect and recognize that.

In my work at Inspiration Corporation, I have appointed openly gay and lesbian individuals into the highest levels of authority and trust. Furthermore, a number of my Citizens Committee members are Gay and Lesbian. I look forward to the day, perhaps in my children’s lifetime, when the question of GLBT rights does not need to be asked. Until that time I will fight vigorously with you to ensure that your rights and dignity are upheld.

Christopher Persons
Candidate for Alderman 48th Ward

On Nov. 19, 2006, the Chicago Tribune printed a reasoned and hopeful op-ed piece by Geoffrey R. Stone titled "Gays kept separated; church and state not." I liked what Mr. Stone had to say and wanted to share it with you.
link to article