On Aug. 9, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a number of measures—including at least three that are seen as specifically benefiting LGBTQ individuals.
HB 246 ensures the contributions of LGBTQ people are taught in public schools. It becomes effective July 1, 2020.
With state Rep. Anna Moeller ( D-Elgin ) and state Sen. Heather Steans ( D-Chicago ) as sponsors, the Inclusive Curriculum Law is an initiative of Equality Illinois, the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance and the Legacy Project, and is supported by more than 40 state education, healthcare and civil-rights organizations, Equality Illinois stated in a press release.
Also, under another measure ( SB 1378 ), LGBTQ Illinoisans are protected from discrimination in jury service. The legislation, which was sponsored by State Sen. Toi Hutchinson ( D-Chicago Heights ) and State Rep. Daniel Didech ( D-Buffalo Grove ), passed the Illinois General Assembly unanimously, according to a separate Equality Illinois press release. Other states have similar LGBTQ-inclusive jury service non-discrimination laws, including California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon and Wisconsin.
In addition, SB 1379 makes LGBTQ older adults and people living with HIV target populations in aging programs funded through the federal Older Americans Act. The bill also protects all Illinoisans from discrimination in assisted living and shared housing facilities. State Sen. Ram Villivalam ( D-Chicago ) and state Rep. Theresa Mah ( D-Chicago ) are the sponsors.
This measure also takes effect July 1, 2020.
