Contact: David E. Smith, Illinois Family Institute (IFI), 773-858-6602

CHICAGO, Ill., Feb. 24, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- David Smith, leader of the Illinois Family Institute (IFI), today called on President Barack Obama and Illinois' Governor Pat Quinn to apologize. America's President, an Illinois politician, declared this week that same sex marriage is legal.

At the same time a homosexual couple launched a specious legal attack on a law-abiding Illinois Christian businessman, Jim Walder, for refusing to allow his Bed and Breakfast to be used by the gay couple for a celebration of their "civil union." The gay activists also went to the newspapers, demanding an apology from Walder.

"The phrase 'civil union' is another deceptive phrase in the liberal lexicon. There is nothing either civil or unifying about homosexuality," said Smith. "Liberal politicians have opened this Pandora's Box on America and Walder doesn't need to apologize for anything. Rather, Barack Obama and Pat Quinn need to apologize to him, and all the citizens of this nation, for forcing counterfeit marriage on us."

Today on the IFI website Laurie Higgins, director of the Division of School Advocacy for IFI, published a comprehensive analysis of this assault on freedom.

In the article Higgins observes that it was just a few weeks ago that Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed the "civil unions" bill into law. She writes, "The most recent assault by those who view our side's cowardly truce as their golden opportunity is taking place in Illinois. Just one month after Governor Patrick Quinn signed the civil union bill into law, a homosexual couple has filed complaints with both the Illinois Attorney General and the Illinois Department of Human Rights for the refusal of two innkeepers to rent out their privately owned bed and breakfasts for a civil union ceremony and reception. \"

Walder and his family are also on the receiving end of a deluge of poisonous, hate-filled letters and phone calls from leftists who demand that we accept their life choices.

Smith urged everyone to support Jim Walder. "I'll be spending some time this year at Timber Creek B&B in Paxton," said Smith, "and I urge everyone to do the same. This humble business owner has a new status in my book: hero. Let's all get behind him!"

To read the article by Laurie Higgins go to:
www.illinoisfamily.org/news/contentview.asp?c=35169