While the GOP-sponsored Gender Violence Act that passed the House last week doesn't specifically mention sexual orientation or gender identity, lawmakers say its language is broad enough to cover GLBTs.
House Bill 1414 passed the House last week, sidestepping the Gender Violence Act sponsored by Chicago Democrat Sara Feigenholtz that includes specific language on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Feigenholtz said this week that she has consistently had trouble getting Republicans to support her bill, HB 3279, and now she knows why. HB 1414 was sponsored by state Rep. Tom Cross (R-Yorkville) and had no Democratic co-sponsors.
But she said analysts have assured her that HB 1414 is broad enough to be open to interpretation.
"This version is inclusive of GLBTs, it just doesn't say it," she said.
Feigenholtz, who voted for HB 1414, has until this Friday to call her own legislation before the full House.
"I, of course, would've wanted the language of my bill in, but sometimes you have to let these things go," she said. "Once codified we have to let this play itself out in the courtroom," and return to it for tweaking if necessary.
Both bills allow victims of gender-related violence, such as domestic abuse and sexual assault, to seek damages and attorneys fees in civil court, regardless of whether criminal charges have been filed.
"There should be a state statute that says if you beat your lover you will pay," Feigenholtz said.
The bill is now in the Senate Rules Committee.
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