CHICAGO — As a same-sex marriage bill approved by the Illinois Senate awaits action in the House, a few former pro athletes signed a letter urging the passing of the bill, stating that it's "the right thing to do, period."

A letter showing support for the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act was signed by retired Cubs shortstop Ernie Banks, former Bears defensive end Richard Dent, former Bears linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, a former Chicago Bear.

"We come from a variety of backgrounds, and we have played different sports for different teams. But one thing that binds us together is our belief in the importance of fairness and respect — in all aspects of life," a section of the letter reads.

It goes on to say, "Treating any group of people as second-class citizens hurts us all, because discrimination is wrong no matter whom the target is."

Ayanbadejo, a noted supporter of same-sex marriage, also recently filed an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court advocating marriage equality in California, along with Minnesota Vikings player Chris Kluwe.

The athletes' support comes after legions of local lawmakers, celebrities and religious leaders from both sides of the aisle weighed in on the bill, which would allow same-sex couples to marry and receive the same marriage benefits as straight couples. The legislation also would allow couples now in a civil union to convert to a marriage within a year of enacting the new law.

The bill was introduced by state Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago). It recently received support from a Democratic-led House committee.

The full letter:

"As professional athletes, we always played for the love of the game. The competition on the field — whether it was the football field or the baseball diamond — strengthened us and continues to do so. But for that competition to take place, there have to be rules and a code of behavior. Above all, players have to treat each other with fairness and with respect. Doing so doesn’t detract from the competition. It makes it better.

We come from a variety of backgrounds, and we have played different sports for different teams. But one thing that binds us together is our belief in the importance of fairness and respect — in all aspects of life.

In Illinois today, gay and lesbian couples who are in lifetime committed relationships do not have the freedom to marry. This violates our sense of fairness and respect. It also goes against the Golden Rule of treating others as you would like to be treated yourself.

In sports, any time a player is not treated with fairness and respect, the game is diminished. Similarly, treating any group of people as second-class citizens hurts us all, because discrimination is wrong no matter whom the target is.

For this reason, we believe that the Illinois General Assembly should act now and give same-sex couples the freedom to marry. It’s the right thing for Illinois; it’s the right thing to do, period.

Sincerely,

Ernie Banks, Shortstop, Chicago Cubs (retired)

Richard Dent, Defensive End, Chicago Bears (retired)

Hunter Hillenmeyer, Linebacker, Chicago Bears (retired)

Brendon Ayanbadejo, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens (formerly with the Chicago Bears)"