Voice for Equality: Mayor Richard M. Daley

August 31, 2009

Richard M. Daley is a member of the national and local Democratic Party and current Mayor of Chicago, Illinois. He was elected mayor in 1989 and reelected in 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007. His 2007 re-election put him in position to become the longest-serving mayor in Chicago's history, a record currently held by his father, the late Richard J. Daley, should he remain in office beyond December 25, 2010.

Daley was chosen by Time magazine in its April 25, 2005 issue as the best out of five mayors of large cities in the United States, and characterized as having "imperial" style and power. He has presided over such successes as the resurgence in tourism, the modernization of the Chicago Transit Authority, the mayoral takeover of the Chicago Public Schools, the construction of Millennium Park, and increased environmental efforts and the rapid development of the city's North Side, as well as the near South and West sides.
 
A longtime supporter of LGBT rights [Link], Mayor Daley was quoted in the Chicago Tribune on February 19, 2004 talking about marriage equality:
"A lot of people are opposed to it. So be it. But again, you have to point out the strength of that community; they're doctors, they're lawyers, they're journalists, they're politicians, they're someone's son or daughter, they're someone's mother or father.

"They're parents, and I have been with them. They've adopted children. They have wonderful children. To me, we have to understand this is part and parcel of our families and our extended families.

"They love each other, just as much as anyone else. They believe that the benefits they don't have, they should have. And so I have a very open mind on it.

"People have to look at their own lives and at their own marriages. Don't blame the gay, lesbian, transgender community, please. Don't blame them for it."

Freedom to Marry salutes Mayor Richard M. Daley as a Voice for Equality!
 
If Mayor Daly's support inspires you, take action by signing the Freedom to Marry Pledge!
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