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Pro-LGBT Rep. Danny Davis Drops Out of Chicago Mayor's Race

A dramatic year in Chicago politics ends in one final dramatic flourish on New Year's Eve. Pro-LGBT Congressman Danny Davis drops out of the race to succeed Mayor Richard Daley and endorses Carol Moseley Braun, the former senator and veteran equality advocate.

Davis said he is endorsing Braun in the name of unity. "I'm proud that I will be here when Carol Moseley Braun becomes the next mayor," Davis said. "I come here tonight...to help prove unity is more than just a concept."

The announcement at Davis' West Loop headquarters came after African-American leaders met privately for days with the candidates in an attempt to unify behind a single contender who could improve the odds of an African-American winning the Feb. 22 election. Davis and Braun both had insisted Thursday that they would keep running for Chicago mayor. Then they met again today, leading to Davis' departure from the contest.

Last week saw the departure of outspoken anti-gay mega-church pastor and Illinois State Sen. James T. Meeks, who has called homosexuality "an evil sickness" and was the only black legislator voting against the recent landmark vote on civil unions.

Davis is a veteran progressive in Chicago politics and scores 100% by the Human Rights Campaign on LGBT issues. Davis opposed the Defense of Marriage Act, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and supports marriage equality. Davis endorsed and spoke at the National Equality March in October 2009.

In 1992, Braun became the first Black woman  elected to the United States Senate. Braun has long been a champion of gay rights, was one of only 14 Senate votes to oppose DOMA in 1996 and also voted against DADT. In 2007, Braun was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame as a Friend of the Community.

The mayoral field  includes former White House Chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, former School Board President Gery Chico and City Clerk Miguel del Valle. Davis' departure clears the field for Braun to run as the Black consensus candidate. The Chicago Tribune adds the unspoken reality "is that black and white voters are still focused on race more than two decades after the late Harold Washington was elected the city's first African-American mayor."

Anti-Gay Rev. Meeks Withdraws from Chicago Mayor's Race

An early Christmas present ...

Outspoken anti-gay mega-church pastor and Illinois State Sen. James T. Meeks has withdrawn his candidacy for Chicago mayor today, the deadline for candidates to drop out to avoid having their names appear on the Feb. 22 ballot.

In a statement, Meeks urged the remaining Black candidates to follow his lead and rally around a single "unity" candidate.

"Unfortunately, though, our house is divided. I have met with each of the four other African-American candidates and urged them in the strongest terms to consider withdrawing from the race in the interest of unity and for the greater good of our community. ... It is long past time that we build on the tremendous successes of the great Harold Washington and his administration by electing another African-American to become our mayor. But as long as our community remains divided and splintered – to the specific advantage of the front-running, status quo candidates – we will never see things improve. We need to speak with one voice."

Meeks decision comes one day after meeting with fellow Democratic candidates U.S. Rep. Danny Davis and former U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley Braun. The meeting was described by the Sun-Times as "a last-ditch effort to unite behind a consensus black candidate for mayor." It was anticipated that Meeks was "likely" to "drop out ... soon."

The statement made no reference to the series of controversies that have plagued Meeks' candidacy from almost the beginning. Last  week during a mayoral forum, Meeks said that Asians, Hispanics and women "should not" be considered "minorities" in the city’s affirmative-action contracting programs. The comment created a firestorm. Meeks later retracted the statement.

Meeks’ opposition to the recent landmark vote on civil unions drew harsh criticism from fellow politicians and lgbt activists. Meeks, who has called homosexuality "an evil sickness", was the only black legislator voting against the bill. Meeks also opposed Illinois' LGBT non-discrimination legislation and was the only Black in the General Assembly to vote against that bill, too. Days after voting against civil unions, Meeks greeted diners at the restaurant owned by openly gay Ald. Tom Tunney (44th). The largely gay clientele was not enthused.

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Anti-Gay Mayoral Hopeful Rev. Meeks Courts Gay Votes
Anti-Gay Mayoral Hopeful Meeks Clarifies Anti-Gay Past
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn to Fast Track Civil Unions?
Pro-LGBT Davis, Anti-Gay Meeks Launch Bids for Mayor
Black Leaders Reject Anti-Gay Rev. James Meeks
Rev. Meeks Will Consider Gay Rights if He's "Bored"

WATCH: Anti-Gay Mayoral Hopeful Rev. Meeks Courts Gay Voters

Illinois State Sen. and Rev. James Meeks, the Chicago mayoral candidate and outspoken anti-gay mega-church pastor, greeted diners at the restaurant owned by openly gay Ald. Tom Tunney (44th). The largely gay clientele was not enthused with Meeks, who has called homosexuality an "evil sickness" and  voted against the civil unions bill that recently passed the Illinois legislature.

Meeks was asked what was his message to gay and lesbian voters and he responded: "I'm here because this area has many concerns. This area is concerned about schools, jobs, and affordable housing... there are many things this community is concerned about."

Exactly. And you voted against anti-discrimination protections that would have made "schools, jobs, and affordable housing" more secure for  those same LGBT taxpayers and citizens. Watch the reverend speak AFTER THE JUMP ...

Chicago's Anti-Gay Mayoral Hopeful Rev. James Meeks Courts Gay Votes

Illinois State Sen. and Rev. James Meeks,  the Chicago mayoral candidate and outspoken anti-gay pastor of one of the city's largest mega-churches, greeted diners at the historic Ann Sather restaurant on the city's North Side, reports the Sun-Times. The restaurant is owned by Ald. Tom Tunney (44th), the City Council’s first openly gay alderman, and serves a largely gay clientele.

"I’m reaching out today," Meeks said outside the restaurant... Tunney, who has criticized Meeks’ vote last week against a state bill legalizing civil unions for gays, was not at the restaurant to greet Meeks Wednesday. "I wouldn’t vote for him for dog-catcher," retired pharmacist Frank Nussbaum said as Meeks walked into the restaurant. "He’s a homophobe. He’s a religious crazy, I think. We don’t need someone like that. He’s got a big nerve coming here."

Meeks walked around the restaurant shaking hands and getting a friendly reception from the patrons. "We’ve been reading about him. I don’t know who I’m voting for, but he made a good impression," Bill Tompsett, 61, said after Meeks left his table.

Finally, Meeks approached Nussbaum. "Can I ask you why you voted against civil unions?" Nussbaum asked. "I believe in the sanctity of marriage," Meeks said. "I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman." "I disagree with you, and I respect you," Nussbaum said. "Sanctity — that’s a religious term. It has nothing to do with a civil union. You’re in a restaurant owned by a gay man."

Two weeks ago, the Illinois General assembly passed the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act (SB 1716) by a 32-24 and 61-52 votes in the Senate and House, respectively. Of the almost 30 Black legislators in both chambers, Meeks was one of only two to vote NO.

Meeks, who has called homosexuality "an evil sickness", opposed Illinois' LGBT non-discrimination legislation and was the only Black in the General Assembly to vote against that bill, too.

Good luck with your "reaching out", pastor. Too bad you couldn't do it by casting a vote when it mattered.

WATCH: Illinois Sen. Rickey Hendon Slams Hypocrites and "Down Low Brothas" Who Opposed Civil Unions

Shots fired. Ilinois State Sen. Rickey Hendon, who represents Chicago's West Side, slams the hypocrisy of "adulterers, womanizers" and "brothas on the down low" who opposed SB1716, the civil unions bill that passed Wednesday. "We know what you do at night! You know too."

Seeing there were only two "brothas" who voted against the bill,  who was he talking about?

Hendon is the same Democratic state senator who, in the closing days before the November 2 election, received a standing ovation after he described ultra-conservative and anti-gay Republican gubernatorial candidate Sen. Bill Brady as "idiotic, racist, sexist and homophobic." "If you think gay and lesbian people need to be locked up and shot in the head," Hendon told churchgoers at the rally for Gov. Pat Quinn. "Vote for Bill Brady!"

Fierceness, thy name is Rickey Hendon. Watch, WHEN YOU JUMP

WATCH: Anti-Gay Rev. James Meeks Explains NO Vote on Civil Unions

Of the almost 30 Black legislators in the Illinois General Assembly, State Sen. James Meeks, the Chicago mayoral candidate and outspoken anti-gay mega-church pastor, was one of only two to vote NO on SB1716, the historic civil unions legislation.

"I believe in the traditional definition of marriage, between a man and a woman," says the pastor, who has called homosexuality "an evil sickness". "A vote of this much magnitude ... probably should have been put to the ballot or a referendum."

Of course. Just like other votes of this "much magnitude"—such as your right to vote, own property, get married or serve in the state senate—were put to popular referendum.

Watch the hate, AFTER THE JUMP ...

 

Illinois Black Caucus Unites Behind Civil Unions; Meeks 1 of 2 NO Votes

The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus practically united behind SB1716, the landmark civil unions legislation that passed the Senate today and passed the House on Tuesday. Of the 27 Black legislators in Springfield, there were only two "no" votes—and one belonged to State Sen. and Rev. James Meeks, the Chicago mayoral candidate and outspoken anti-gay mega-church pastor. 

The members of the Illinois House Legislative Black Caucus is HERE. The 61-52 vote tally is HERE. Rockford Democrat Chuck Jefferson voted NO. Reps. Deborah Graham and Eddie Washington did not vote.

In today's Senate vote, Meeks was the only one of the Senate's 8 Black members to vote NO. All others voted YES.

Meeks, who has called homosexuality "an evil sickness", opposed Illinois' LGBT non-discrimination legislation and was the only African-American in the Illinois Senate and House to vote against the bill.

Illinois Senate Passes Civil Unions; Gov. Quinn Promises to Sign

In a landmark 32 to 24 vote, the Illinois Senate has passed legislation recognizing civil unions among gay and lesbian couples. Thirty votes were needed for passage. The bill now heads to Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn, who has pledged to sign it.

The Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act (SB 1716) passed the Illinois House on Tuesday by a 61-52 majority. The bill will provide spousal rights to same-sex partners on surrogate decision-making for medical care, burial decisions, wills, adoptions, as well as accident and health insurance.

State Sen. and Rev. James Meeks, the Chicago mayoral candidate and outspoken anti-gay pastor of one of the city's largest mega-churches, voted no. "Other city mayoral candidates, including Rahm Emanuel, Carol Moseley Braun, Gery Chico and Danny Davis, made calls to lobby lawmakers to support the legislation," reports the Sun-Times.

llinois will become the sixth state to allow civil unions. California, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington have also passed similar laws. Same-sex couples can marry in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Washington D.C. and Iowa.

Illinois Civil Unions: Moves Foward in Senate, House Vote Expected

The latest on SB1716, the Illinois civil unions legislation that Gov. Pat Quinn has urged legislators to fast track. SB1716 passed the House 61-52 and moves to the Senate.

Senate  committee passes SB1716 on a 6-2 partyline vote. "Sponsoring Sen. David Koehler, D-Peoria, said the measure took on a special meaning to him because he has a daughter who is gay."

The Illinois General Assembly is expected to vote this afternoon on the legislation. Supporters are lining up the final votes they need in the Illinois House and are very close, reports ABC 7. "Supporters say they're close to having the 60 votes needed to pass the measure in the House. If it passes there, backers think the Senate quickly would follow suit and Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn would sign it into law. 'I do think this is the time for Illinois to do this,' Quinn said. 'This is a good way to show employers—big businesses all across the country—that Illinois treats everyone with tolerance.'"

Watch debate HERE ...

llinois House Speaker Michael Madigan believes there are enough votes to pass the legislation.

Opponents are worried about the House’s 18 lame ducks, especially Republicans, reports the St. Louis Post Dispatch. "David E. Smith, executive director the Illinois Family Institute, said he has heard anecdotally about some lawmakers from conservative areas who aren't returning to office after January and appear poised to support [the] bill."

Supporters even have a Catholic nun on their side ...

State Sen. and Rev. James Meeks, the Chicago mayoral candidate and outspoken anti-gay pastor of one of the city's largest mega-churches, is reportedly working "behind the scenes" to "derail its passage". "A source in Springfield tells ChicagoPride.com that Meeks ... has allegedly been working behind the scenes with other African-American ministers to derail passage in the House as an effort to keep the legislation from making it to the Senate, thus relieving the prominent minister from declaring his vote, for or against, on record."

The Catholic Conference of Illinois,  which is fighting against the civil unions bill, is apparently so concerned that it could pass the House today that it has issued a statement offering an 11th hour compromise. "We stand ready to work with the legislature and other agencies of state government to prevent unjust discrimination and to provide benefits to people judged by the civic authority as deserving — as long as such provision does not include the attempted redefinition of marriage as a union between one man and one woman for the sake of family," the statement said.

Chicago's Anti-Gay Mayoral Hopeful Meeks "Derailing" Civil Unions?

More on SB1716, the Illinois civil unions legislation that Gov. Pat Quinn has urged legislators to fast track. The Illinois General Assembly is expected to vote as soon as Tuesday on the legislation.

Almost all of Chicago's leading mayoral candidates support the bill. The lone holdout: State Sen. and Rev. James Meeks, the outspoken anti-gay pastor of one of the city's largest mega-churches, who is reportedly working "behind the scenes" with other anti-gay Black pastors to "derail its passage", reports ChicagoPride.com.

"Requesting anonymity, a source in Springfield tells ChicagoPride.com that State Sen. and Rev. James Meeks, who represents the 15th District on Chicago's south side, has allegedly been working behind the scenes with other African-American ministers to derail passage in the House as an effort to keep the legislation from making it to the Senate, thus relieving the prominent minister from declaring his vote, for or against, on record. 'Rev. Meeks has been playing fast and loose with the LGBT community,' said the source.

"The 54-year-old Meeks ... reached out to influential members of Chicago's LGBT community in October after concerns were raised over his anti-gay stance. ChicagoPride.com tried unsuccessfully Monday afternoon to reach Rev. Meeks for comment. Unlike Meeks, several other high-profile Chicago mayoral candidates have endorsed the bill, including former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley Braun and Gery Chico."

llinois House Speaker Michael Madigan says there are enough votes to pass the legislation, adds ChicagoPride.com.

In October, Meeks was passed over as the so-called Black "consensus candidate", reportedly because he planned to continue to pastor  the anti-gay 22,000 member Salem Baptist Church if elected mayor.

Meeks, who has called homosexuality "an evil sickness", opposed Illinois' LGBT non-discrimination legislation and was the only African American in the Illinois Senate and House to vote against the bill. Meeks is chairman of the Illinois General Assembly's Black Caucus but it's not known how many votes he could influence at this point. Last year when the bill was in committee, White House Advisor Valerie Jarrett reportedly lobbied black state lawmakers "who were on the fence about backing the legislation" and several changed their minds.

The Roman Catholic Church and the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) are also lobbying against the bill. Cardinal Francis George, the head of the Chicago's Roman Catholic archdiocese, claims the bill will "change the nature of marriage" and urged state lawmakers to reject it.

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Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn to Fast Track Civil Unions?
Pro-LGBT Davis, Anti-Gay Meeks Launch Bids for Mayor
Black Leaders Reject Anti-Gay Rev. James Meeks
Rev. Meeks Will Consider Gay Rights if He's "Bored"