The new year kicked off in historic fashion for the LGBT community. The measure that gives lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals new protection in Illinois took effect on Jan. 1.
The gay-rights measure, which is an amendment to the state's Human Rights Act, became reality last January when it passed the state Senate 30-27 and the Illinois House of Representatives 65-51. ( If either the House or Senate had defeated the bill, supporters would have had to start anew with the next legislature. ) The passages prohibit discrimination against GLBTs regarding everything from housing to employment to getting credit.
The law—which Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed Jan. 21, 2005—defines sexual orientation as a person's 'actual or supposed heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality or gender identity.' By including gender identity within that definition, transgender individuals are covered by the statute as well. Illinois is now the 16th state to outlaw bias against gays and lesbians; it is also only the sixth state to extend those protections to the transgender community.
After the bill passed through the General Assembly, Equality Illinois Political Director Rick Garcia told Windy City Times that ' [ p ] art of me never thought I'd see the day when this would become a reality.'Garcia added that the pertinence of the development was threefold: 'First, it means that the Illinois General Assembly has gone on record that all Illinoisans are equal citizens under the eyes of the law. Second, it gives people recourse if they're discriminated against. Third, it's a preventative measure that will stop people from discriminating at all.'
Deb Mell, a leading activist and sister-in-law of Gov. Blagojevich, talked about personal satisfaction: 'For me, just to be able to look at a formal piece of paper and see that 'sexual orientation' is one of the things that people can't discriminate against—it's just wonderful.'
Illinois activists had worked more than 30 years for statewide gay protections. The Illinois Gay & Lesbian Task Force began the efforts in the 1970s, and Equality Illinois, joined by numerous progressive and gay groups and politicians, carried the baton to the finish line last year.
In addition, a new meth-related law became active at the beginning of the year. Now, those who wish to purchase medicines that contain pseudoephedrine ( the main ingredient in meth ) will have to show identification and sign a log. Those customers must be at least 18 years of age.
Also, Illinois will begin tracking HIV cases by name rather than alpha-numeric code. The development occurred in response to increasing federal pressure to bring its HIV surveillance system in line with those operating in most of the other states. Basically, people still will be able to get anonymous HIV tests with assigned numbers.
However, if someone who tests positive goes to a doctor or hospital for care, his or her name will be reported to local health authorities. Public health officials contend that names will remain confidential.
Passages:
Susan Bergman
Susan Bergman, who wrote a book while reflecting on her dying father's secret life as a homosexual, died in Barrington, Ill., after a three-year battle with brain cancer. She was 48.
Bergman began thinking about her past after finding out in 1983 that her father, Don Heche, lived a secret life as a gay man and that he would become one of the first victims of AIDS. What started as a doctoral dissertation became the 1994 book Anonymity. According to Library Journal, ' [ c ] hildhood memories, [ Bergman's ] understanding the pain of [ her father's ] double life, and her own anger at his dishonesty are among the elements she weaves into this rewrite of her family history.'
She leaves behind her husband, two daughters, two sons, her mother and two sisters. Her brother died shortly after her father, in a car accident.
A memorial service was held Jan. 3 at Christ Church in Lake Forest.
Bush protest
The Gay Liberation Network and others will be protesting President Bush's planned Friday, Jan. 6 appearance in Chicago to address the Economic Club. The protest will be at 11 a.m. in front of the Chicago Hilton & Towers, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. E-mail the group at LGBTliberation@aol.com or see www.GayLiberation.org; call ( 773 ) 209-1187.
