Saying they no longer trust Congressman Mark Kirk to lead on issues important to them, leaders from several Illinois reform and advocacy-based groups joined together today to show their support for U.S. Senate Nominee Alexi Giannoulias in the Nov. 2 election.

The Illinois Education Association, Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood, League of Conservation Voters, Human Rights Campaign, NARAL and Defenders of Wildlife had all endorsed Kirk during his previous campaigns for the U.S. House.

CHICAGO - Illinois State Treasurer and Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Alexi Giannoulias made the following statement on today's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ruling:

"I have been calling for an immediate repeal of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy for more than a year. Today's decision confirms what we have always known -- this policy is discriminatory and unconstitutional. This is one of the issues where Congressman Kirk and I fundamentally disagree: I think brave men and women who want to defend our country should be allowed to serve, while he is eager to kick them out based on their sexual orientation. Illinois voters want a Senator who will go to Washington and end this immoral and ineffective practice permanently through legislative action."

Lots of developments over the last few weeks -- including the attempt to repeal DADT -- have raised again the specter of how we treat others here in America and how they should be treated, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or race.

There is a sharp difference between Alexi and Mark Kirk when it comes to LGBT issues, and this weekend, the Daily Herald provided a must-read overview.

Kirk said he supports civil unions, opposes gay marriage and endorses the Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law that defines marriage as a relationship between a man and a woman.

He had previously opposed a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.

Today's decision by Judge Walker finding Prop 8 unconstitutional is a big step forward in the march towards marriage equality. We have a lot to celebrate as progressives and more importantly, as Americans.

But we know that this decision doesn't mean the fight for equality is over.

"On Equality" : video

Alexi discusses why equality for the LGBT community is so important to him.

Alexi Extends Benefits To LGBT Employees : video

Alexi signs an executive order expanding benefits to LGBT employees in the Treasurer's office.

CHICAGO - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has endorsed Alexi Giannoulias' campaign for the U.S. Senate over Republican Congressman Mark Kirk. Below is the full text of the HRC's press release:

HRC Announces Endorsement of Alexi Giannoulias for Senate

Alexi Giannoulias Speaks Out On Repealing DADT : video

Alexi Giannoulias on why he supports full equality for the LGBT community.

Late yesterday, we learned that the White House has reportedly reached a deal with Congressional leaders to include a repeal of DADT in the upcoming Defense Authorization bill. It’s a promising sign that equality can’t wait.

Just today, however, we learned that Senator Scott Brown (R-MA) has said he will vote against including a repeal of DADT in the bill: