CHICAGO – A group of high-profile business leaders said legalizing gay marriage in Illinois will help create a more competitive and thriving business climate.

The group publicly released a letter Sunday that will be sent to lawmakers this week. It said allowing same sex couples to marry would generate between $39 million and $72 million in revenues for Illinois businesses.

Those who have signed include the heads of Navistar International, Johnson Publishing and Morningstar Inc., along with the heads of restaurants and hotels.