LATE NEWS: Senate President Emil Jones has pulled SB 101 from the fall veto session, saying it would not have had enough votes to pass.
In a year when the Cubs would almost make the World Series, anything is possible. After nearly three decades of lobbying—outlasting many governors, legislators and activists—the state Senate this week could approve a gay-inclusive human-rights bill.
As Gov. Rod Blagojevich said two weeks ago, if it can't be done now, when the Democrats control the House, Senate and governor's mansion, when can it be done?
Blagojevich and Senate President Emil Jones are joining with activists in trying to squeeze the last few votes needed to pass SB 101 out of the Senate. The law would protect gays and lesbians from employment and housing discrimination.
If the bill passes the Senate with the necessary 30 votes, it goes to the House for the 2004 session, which starts in January. Garcia said they are close to the 60 votes needed—but there is a concern since some of the pro-gay House votes are no longer there.
If the House passes SB 101, it then goes to the governor, where he could sign it that very day. Blagojevich included SB 101 among his top three priorities for this session, alongside death penalty reform and ethics legislation.
Garcia said Sen. Carol Ronen, a key player in Blagojevich's administration, has been working very closely with the governor on this issue, as has Rocco Claps, the openly gay head of the state's Department of Human Rights. Claps and Mary Anderson, legal counsel for the governor, have been attending Equality Illinois meetings.
'The governor's office has been involved very heavily since we introduced the bill,' Ronen said. 'We've been working with Rick Garcia, Equality Illinois and key players in the gay and lesbian community, and unions —under the leadership of their new president, they have made this a priority, they will rate members based on how they vote.'
'We are within striking distance,' Ronen added. 'We need four to push it over the top. Blagojevich really called on the Senate, if we can't do it now, when are we going to? He really put the Senate on notice. Saying it doesn't pay to have Dems in control if you can't get it out of your chamber and send it to me.'
According to Garcia, Chicago-area senators who need to be lobbied include: Louis Viverito, Edward Maloney, and Vince Demuzio. Also, Westmont's Kurt Dillard, and Dan Cronin from Elmhurst. (See www.legis.state.il.us/senate/default.asp)
Sen. James Meeks, who has been very high profile in his opposition to gays, is still not a 100% no, Garcia said, if Jones and others can pull some strings at the last minute.
MARCH PLANNED
A march/parade/protest is planned Wed., Nov. 19, to show support for SB 101.
'We need to show that we are aware, concerned and demanding,' said organizers.
'Come joyful, come strident, but most importantly just come and be loud. Bring candles with cups to block the wind and protect your hands. Kindly keep the focus on this one issue.'
Line-up is 7:30 p.m., step-off 8 p.m., Lawrence & Clark, line-up between St. Boniface Cemetery and the Rainbow Roller Rink. They will march north to Devon.
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