LGBT rights in Illinois

Last updated

LGBT rights in Illinois
Map of USA IL.svg
Illinois (US)
Status Legal since 1962
(Legislative repeal)
Gender identity Sex reassignment surgery not required to change gender on official documents [1]
Discrimination protections Protections for sexual orientation and gender identity (see below)
Family rights
Recognition of relationships Civil unions since 2011;
Same-sex marriage since 2014
Adoption Same-sex couples may jointly adopt

Illinois is seen as one of the most progressive states in the United States in regard to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights and often viewed as one of the most liberal states in the Midwestern United States. [2] [3] Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1962, after Illinois became the first U.S. state to repeal its sodomy laws. Same-sex marriage was banned by statute in 1996, but has since been legalized after a law allowing such marriages was signed by Governor Pat Quinn on November 20, 2013 and went into effect on June 1, 2014. [4] Civil unions have been recognized since 2011, and same-sex couples are also allowed to adopt. Additionally, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is banned in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations, and conversion therapy on minors has been outlawed since 2016.

Contents

Chicago has a vibrant LGBT community. The first pride parade took place in 1970, a year after the Stonewall riots. Since 2013, the Chicago Pride Parade has attracted about 1 million attendees each year. [5] 2019 polling from the Public Religion Research Institute showed that 74% of Illinois residents supported anti-discrimination legislation protecting LGBT people.

Law regarding same-sex sexual activity

In 1795, Illinois as part of the Northwest Territory inherited the English "buggery" law, which punished sodomy with death. In 1819, after statehood, it enacted its own statute which outlawed sodomy with one to five years' imprisonment, a fine of 100-500 dollars and between 100 and 500 lashes. A change in 1874 resulted in the maximum imprisonment penalty being set at 10 years. The first reported sodomy case occurred in 1897 in Honselman v. People where the Supreme Court of Illinois ruled that fellatio (oral sex), whether heterosexual or homosexual, was a violation of the sodomy law; the first such case in the United States. In 1913, in People v. Smith, the court held that cunnilingus was not a "crime against nature", stating that "without a male sexual organ, there could be no sodomy". In 1950, in People v. Whitham, the court rejected the contentions of a heterosexual man that sodomy could only be accomplished between same-sex partners. [6]

In 1938, the Illinois General Assembly passed a "psychopathic offender" law, under which anyone suffering from a "mental disorder" and who had "criminal propensities to the commission of sex crimes" was considered and legally labelled a "sexual psychopath". The law was upheld by the Illinois Supreme Court in 1943 in People v. Sims. The statute was amended in 1951 to permit examination of any prisoner "at suitable intervals" to see if he or she "has become a criminal sexual psychopath." It also provided that any prisoner convicted of certain crimes, including the "crime against nature", be examined upon release from prison to see if the person was a "criminal sexual psychopath". The law was reportedly widely used against offenders who had engaged in consensual sexual activity. [6]

On July 28, 1961, Illinois enacted a new state law code, that became effective on January 1, 1962, and eliminated the state's sodomy laws. It was the first state to eliminate its sodomy laws and established an age of consent of 18. [6] Notably, sodomy was not legalized, but actually de facto decriminalized because the laws against the "infamous crime against nature either with man or beast" were not included in the Criminal Code of 1961. [7] However, the code also made it a crime to commit a "lewd fondling or caress of the body of another person of the same sex" in a public place. In 1963, the General Assembly passed a new law that changed the words "the same sex" to "either sex". [6] In 1984, the "lewd fondling or caress" law was repealed and the age of consent was lowered to 16. On January 1, 2012, the age of consent was raised to 17. [8]

In 1970, Illinois voters approved a constitutional amendment which grants people the right "to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and other possessions against unreasonable searches and seizures, invasions of privacy or interceptions of communications". [6]

Recognition of same-sex relationships

Marriage

Supporters pushing for the legalisation of same-sex marriage. DSC 0594 (14340717453).jpg
Supporters pushing for the legalisation of same-sex marriage.

SB 1773, introduced by Representative Tom Johnson in 1996, amended the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act to preclude out-of-state recognition of same-sex marriage and reinforce the state's marriage ban in light of Baehr v. Lewin in Hawaii. It was vigorously opposed, with 12,000 letters being written by clergymen, parishioners and other citizens of all faiths.[ citation needed ] Representatives Ronen, Schakowsky and Currie led the futile effort to defeat the bill, with Ronen stating at one point, "...don't delude yourself, to think that you are doing God's work. I would remind you that a long list of clergy and religious groups have forcefully spoken out against this Bill." [9] The bill passed 42–9 in the Senate and 87–13 (with 6 abstentions) in the House. The bill was signed in May 1996.

Same-sex marriage was legalized via statute in November 2013, after the Illinois House of Representatives narrowly approved same-sex marriage legislation by 61 votes to 54 (achieving the 60 vote required threshold). [10] The Illinois Senate subsequently approved the legislation 32–21 (achieving the 30 vote required threshold). [11] Barack Obama (then-President of the United States and former Senator of Illinois) welcomed the bill, stating on his Instagram page: "Congratulations, Illinois. Love is love." [12] The bill was signed by Democratic Governor Pat Quinn on November 20, [13] and it went into effect June 1, 2014. [14] In July 2021, the Governor of Illinois signed a bill into law to legally provide individuals a gender-neutral marriage certificate available. [15] In May 2023, both houses of the Illinois Legislature passed a bill to formally repeal three marriage law sections (dating back to 1972) regarding getting married within Illinois from other jurisdictions that makes a marriage within Illinois "null and void" if the marriage is not recommended, licensed or recognized from that particular jurisdiction by error or bad judgement. [16] The Governor of Illinois is yet to either sign or veto the bill.

Civil unions

On January 31, 2011, Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation that recognizes same-sex civil unions, effective from June 1, 2011. The law allows the state to recognize same-sex marriages performed outside of Illinois as the equivalent of an Illinois civil union. If a person undergoes sex reassignment surgery, the marriage is still recognized by the state, even though the parties to the marriage are of the same sex. [17]

Illinois has provided benefits to same-sex partners of state employees since 2006. [18]

In 2012, legislation to repeal the state's recognition of same-sex civil unions was introduced in the House of Representatives, but was defeated. [19]

Lawsuits

In May 2012, Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union filed lawsuits in state court challenging the refusal of the Cook County clerk's office to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Both contended that the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act violated the Illinois Constitution's guarantees of equal protection and due process. [19] [20] These lawsuits have since been abandoned due to the State General Assembly passing a same-sex marriage law in November 2013.

On February 21, 2014, a federal judge authorized Cook County to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples without waiting for the Illinois statute legalizing same-sex marriage to take effect on June 1, and the county clerk began issuing licenses immediately. [21] [22]

Discrimination protections and anti-bullying laws

The 2018 edition of Chicago Pride Chicago Gay Pride Parade 2018 a.jpg
The 2018 edition of Chicago Pride

Since June 1, 2006, Illinois has protected LGBT persons from unfair discrimination. The state's anti-discrimination law applies to the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations and credit, and forbids discrimination on the grounds of "race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or unfavorable discharge from military service". The definition of sexual orientation explicitly includes gender identity. [23] [24] The Illinois Human Rights Act states: "'Sexual orientation' means actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or gender-related identity, whether or not traditionally associated with the person's designated sex at birth. 'Sexual orientation' does not include a physical or sexual attraction to a minor by an adult."

The city of Chicago enacted an anti-discrimination ordinance of its own in 1988.

In 2014, Illinois expanded its anti-bullying laws to make them inclusive of LGBT people. Illinois law prohibits bullying based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, unfavorable discharge from military service, association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics, or any other distinguishing characteristic. [25] [26] The legislation requires school districts, charter schools and non-sectarian private schools to strengthen their anti-bullying policies in order to provide a safe learning environment for all students, including investigating reports of bullying, protecting the privacy of students, prohibiting false accusations and training staff to properly address incidents.

In June 2018, the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill to repeal the "15 or more employees in a company or business" loophole, which had exempted businesses with less than 15 employees from the state's anti-discrimination law. [27] [28] In August 2018, Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed the bill, [29] and no attempts to override his veto were undertaken before the General Assembly adjourned sine die in January 2019. A similar bill to repeal the 15 employee loophole passed both chambers of the General Assembly in May 2019, was signed into law by Governor J. B. Pritzker in August 2019 and went into effect on July 1, 2020. [30]

In May 2019, the General Assembly passed a bill, passing the House by a vote of 115–0 and the Senate by 54 votes to 0, to add "sexual orientation" as a prohibited ground of discrimination in jury selections. Governor J. B. Pritzker signed the bill into law in August 2019, and it went into effect on January 1, 2020. [31] [32] [33]

Illinois corporate boards

In June 2021, a bill passed the Illinois General Assembly to provide LGBTQ inclusion and quotas on corporate boards within Illinois. The Governor of Illinois signed the bill into law in August 2021 and will go into effect from January 1, 2022. [34] [35]

Domestic violence

The Illinois Domestic Violence Act, which protects people who share or used to share a dwelling or a "dating relationship" with their abusers, is written in gender-neutral language and is applicable to same-sex partners. [36]

Illinois school students with trauma

Effective from January 1, 2023 school students throughout Illinois with trauma for an "health and safety reasoning justification" on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity - are to be legally protected explicitly within legislation. [37] [38]

Adoption and parenting

The state permits adoption by gay individuals or partners, including second-parent adoptions. [39] In addition, lesbian couples have access to in vitro fertilization. State law recognizes the non-genetic, non-gestational mother as a legal parent to a child born via donor insemination, irrespective of the marital status of the parents. [40]

Under the Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act, gestational surrogacy contracts are legal. When parties enter into a surrogacy agreement that complies with the state statute, no court action is required to obtain a birth certificate with the names of the intended parents. So long as certifications are completed by all the parties, attorneys, and a physician involved, and so long as those certifications are received by the hospital prior to the birth of the child, the birth certificate is issued in the names of the intended parents. Same-sex couples are treated in the same manner as opposite-sex couples. [41] The legal status of traditional surrogacy contracts is less clear, as state law makes no mention of the practice.

1973 Illinois infertility law

In May 2021, the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill to repeal the 1973 Illinois infertility laws (that do not legally cover same-sex couples for insurance purposes) - when IVF just got established in 1973. The Governor of Illinois J. B. Pritzker signed the bill into law and went into effect January 1, 2022. [42] [43] [44] [45]

IVF services sanctuary state

Illinois is officially an "IVF services sanctuary state". [46]

Hate crime law

Since 1991, Illinois has had hate crime legislation that includes actual or perceived sexual orientation. Crimes committed based on the victim(s)' sexual orientation (alongside race, religion, sex, etc.) may receive harsher legal penalties. The law did not explicitly include gender identity as such, but gender identity cases could be prosecuted as perceived sexual orientation cases. [47]

On April 16 and on May 20, 2015, the House and the Senate unanimously passed HB 3930 to add "gender identity" to the Illinois hate crime statute. [48] [49] On July 20, 2015, the bill was signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner, and it became effective on January 1, 2016. [50]

Gay panic defense

In June 2017, the Illinois General Assembly unanimously passed SB1761 to repeal the gay and trans panic defense. [51] [52] Governor Bruce Rauner signed the bill into law on August 25, 2017, [53] and it went into effect on January 1, 2018.

Transgender and intersex rights

In January 2023, a bill passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly to "legally protect and defend gender-affirming care" within Illinois - as well as individuals coming from outside Illinois to seek gender-affirming services inside Illinois. The Governor of Illinois signed the legislation into law on January 13, 2023. Went into effect immediately. [54] [55] [56] In the past, Illinois law permitted reassignment on birth certificates, but a major obstacle prevented some from being able to. Any person could legally change their legal gender, but in order to legally change it, the state required transgender people to have "an operation(s) having the effect of reflecting, enhancing, changing, reassigning or otherwise affecting gender." [57] This was interpreted to at least include sex reassignment surgery, facial laser hair removal, facial electrolysis, and chest surgery. This was an obstacle because some could not afford the required medical treatment and some do not personally feel surgery is needed. [58] [59] On May 31, 2017, the Illinois General Assembly passed legislation (by a vote of 63–43 in the House and 32–22 in the Senate) to abolish the sex reassignment surgery requirement. [60] Governor Bruce Rauner signed the bill into law on August 25, 2017, [53] and it went into effect on January 1, 2018. To change the gender marker on a birth certificate, the applicant must submit to the Department of Public Health two completed forms—the "Affidavit and Certificate of Correction Request" and the "Declaration of Gender Transition/Intersex Condition"— and the pay the $15 fee. The affidavit must be completed by the applicant, and the declaration of gender transition must be completed by a licensed health care professional or licensed mental health professional. The Secretary of State will correct the gender marker on a driver's license and state ID card upon receipt of a completed "Gender Designation Change Form". Even though reassignment surgery is not a formal requirement for a legal gender change anymore, if the applicant, aged at least 21, wishes to undergo the procedure, Illinois Medicaid will cover the costs. [61] [62]

On August 20, 2015, Governor Bruce Rauner signed HB 3552 which allows a person to specify their gender identity and preferred gender pronouns in funeral and burial instructions. The law became effective on January 1, 2016. [63] The bill had passed 79–34 in the Illinois House on April 14, 2015 and the Illinois Senate in a unanimous 49–0 vote on May 26, 2015. [64] [65] [66]

In June 2019, it was reported that a cisgender woman was denied a change of sex designation on her birth certificate, due to red tape as being incorrectly listed as a male decades ago. This was immediately corrected by the Illinois Department of Health office, only after the U.S. news media reported on the matter. [67] [68]

In July 2020, a "third gender" option (known as "X") became available (alongside "male" and "female") on birth certificates. [69] [70] A similar option will be available on driver's licenses from 2024. [71] [72]

In January 2020, a transgender father in Illinois sought to be recognized on his daughter's birth certificate, but was initially denied as the parent who gives birth was automatically listed as "mother". After approaching the Illinois Department of Public Health, with the help of Lambda Legal, it eventually decided to update its birth certificate forms to allow for a father to be listed as the birth parent. [73] [74]

Birth certificate reforms

In February 2021, representatives Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, Daniel Didech, Anna Moeller, Margaret Croke, Maura Hirschauer and Dagmara Avelar introduced legislation to the Illinois House to remove language from the vital records law requiring the State Registrar of Vital Records to issue a new birth certificate upon receipt of a declaration stating that the applicant has undergone treatment for the purpose of gender transition or that the individual has an intersex condition, instead providing that a new birth certificate must be issued by the State Registrar upon receipt of a statement signed by the applicant attesting to making the request for the purpose of affirming their gender identity or intersex condition and that the sex designation on the person's certificate should therefore be changed. [75] In April 2021, the Illinois House of Representatives passed the birth certificate reforms bill by a vote of 66-45. The bill was postponed in the Illinois Senate, due to time constraints and other factors. [76] [77] In January 2023, the birth certificate reform bill was re-introduced, revived and then formally passed, signed and enacted into law - by both the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor of Illinois a month later in February. The legislation will go into effect from July 1. [78] [79]

Gender-neutral bathroom access

In May 2019, the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill to designate all public single-occupancy restroom facilities as gender-neutral. The legislation passed the House by 109 votes to 5, and the Senate in a 53–0 vote. Governor J. B. Pritzker signed the bill into law in July 2019 and it became effective on January 1, 2020. [80] Numerous other states have similar legislation. [81] [82] [83]

In April 2021, the Illinois House of Representatives passed 63-43 an additional "housekeeping bill" - to repeal a loophole from 2019 that would additionally include for "multi-occupancy bathrooms" as well, not just single bathroom occupancy already implemented to be "all or any gender inclusive" legally. The bill just automatically "lapsed" in the Illinois Senate. [84] In May 2023, a very similar bathroom bill formally passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly - with numerous amendments to "not force businesses and/or restaurants of any size to change signage, doors, urinals or disrupt interstate commerce", instead just "permit and allow" gender-neutral usage of bathrooms within Illinois for transgender and non-binary individuals throughout the state. The Governor of Illinois is yet to either sign or veto the bill. [85]

Since December 2021, all public schools within Chicago legally have all gender bathrooms available by clear signage. [86] [87]

Intersex rights

In July 2020, the Lurie Children's Hospital apologised for past usage of surgery on intersex infants to make their genitalia appear more typically male or female without proper consent. [88] The hospital announced it would cease to perform such interventions, unless medically necessary. [89] Dr. Ellie Kim was the first doctor at Lurie Children's Hospital to speak out publicly against the surgeries. [90] [91]

Des Plaines clothing law

In July 2021, Des Plaines, Illinois repealed a law banning "the wearing of clothing geared for the opposite-sex". [92]

LGBT history in schools

Sex education lessons in Illinois are not compulsory, but schools that do teach it must provide students with age-appropriate, evidence-based, and medically accurate information concerning contraceptives and sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV) through Year 6 to 12 (age 11–18). Parents may choose to have their child(ren) opt-out. [93]

In May 2019, the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill (HB246) with 46 Democratic co-sponsors (passing the House by 60 votes to 42 and the Senate by 37 votes to 17) to implement an LGBT curriculum that would require public schools to educate students on contributions made by the LGBT community to Illinois and United States history. Governor J. B. Pritzker signed the bill into law in August 2019 and it went into effect on July 1, 2020. [94] [95] [96] [97]

Bullying on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, amongst other characteristics, is explicitly prohibited under Illinois law. [25] On June 30, 2019, Governor J. B. Pritzker signed an executive order, effective immediately, to protect transgender students in schools. Among others, the order established a task force to direct the state Board of Education to promote transgender students' rights in schools and develop procedures for concerns such as names, pronouns, and dress codes. [98]

In May 2021, the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill on mandatory K-12 sex education for all Illinois public school students. The Governor of Illinois in August 2021 signed the bill into law and becomes effective 1 year later (i.e. August 1, 2022). [99] [100] [101]

HIV laws

In May 2021, the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill to repeal an 1983 HIV infection public health law. The Governor of Illinois signed the bill into law and went into effect immediately. [42] [102]

Conversion therapy

The Chicago Pride parade in 1985 Chicago Pride Parade 1985 002.jpg
The Chicago Pride parade in 1985

On April 10, 2014, a bill that would have banned sexual orientation change efforts (conversion therapy) failed in the Illinois House of Representatives with a 44–51 vote and 22 members not voting. [103]

The bill was reintroduced in the 2015 legislative session as the Youth Mental Health Protection Act. [104] [105] On May 19, 2015, the state House passed the ban in a 68–43 vote, [106] [107] and on May 29 the Senate passed it in a 34–19 vote. [108] On August 20, 2015, Governor Bruce Rauner signed it into law. It prohibits mental health providers from attempting to practice conversion therapy on minors under 18. The law became effective on January 1, 2016, making Illinois the fifth state or territory in the United States to ban conversion therapy. [109] [110]

On February 15, 2017, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois dismissed a suit by Illinois pastors as nonjusticiable, ruling that pastors are not subject to the Illinois conversion therapy ban because private religious counseling is not "trade or commerce." [111]

Military service benefits restoration

In August 2021, the Governor of Illinois signed a bill into law - that implemented immediate restoration of US military service benefits for discharged LGBT veterans (prior to the September 2011 repeal of the US DADT policy). Connecticut, Rhode Island, California, Nevada and New York State have similar laws. [112] [113]

Public opinion

Participants of the 2016 Chicago Pride parade commemorating the victims of the Pulse shooting. 1PulseChicagoPride.jpg
Participants of the 2016 Chicago Pride parade commemorating the victims of the Pulse shooting.

A February 2013 Crain's/Ipsos poll found that 50% of Illinois residents favored the same-sex marriage bill under consideration by the General Assembly, while 29% opposed it. The survey also found that feelings were stronger among those favoring legalization. [114] A majority of Illinois residents supported civil unions, health benefits for partners, and protections from hate crimes and discrimination. [115]

An October 2013 poll commissioned by Equality Illinois showed that 52% of respondents favored same-sex marriage, while 40% were opposed. 8% were undecided on the issue. [116]

According to a poll conducted between February 28 and March 10, 2015 by Southern Illinois University Carbondale's Paul Simon Public Policy Institute of Illinois 54.9% of registered voters supported same-sex marriage, 20% favored civil unions, 6.7% of voters were unsure, and only 18.4% opposed both marriage and civil unions for same-sex couples, meaning 74.9% supported legal recognition of some kind. This was based on a survey of 1,000 registered voters in Illinois and had a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points. The poll was taken approximately 15 months after the same-sex marriage bill was signed by then-Governor Quinn, nine months after marriage was legal for same-sex couples (statewide), and four months before the Supreme Court nationalized marriage for same-sex couples under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. [117]

A 2017 Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) opinion poll found that 65% of Illinois residents supported same-sex marriage, while 25% opposed it and 10% were unsure. [118] The same poll found that 71% of Illinois residents supported an anti-discrimination law covering sexual orientation and gender identity, while 21% were opposed. [119] Furthermore, 59% were against allowing public businesses to refuse to serve LGBT people due to religious beliefs, while 33% supported allowing such religiously-based refusals. [120]

A 2022 Public Religion Research Institute poll found that 77% of Illinois residents supported same-sex marriage, while 20% opposed it and 2% were unsure. The same poll found that 85% of Illinois residents supported an anti-discrimination law covering sexual orientation and gender identity, while 12% were opposed and 3% were unsure.

Public opinion for LGBT anti-discrimination laws in Illinois
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered		Sample
size		Margin of
error		 % support % opposition % no opinion
Public Religion Research Institute January 2-December 30, 2019 1,635 ?74%21%5%
Public Religion Research Institute January 3-December 30, 2018 1,723 ?69%24%7%
Public Religion Research Institute April 5-December 23, 2017 2,452 ?71%21%8%
Public Religion Research Institute April 29, 2015-January 7, 2016 2,936 ?75%21%4%

Summary table

Same-sex sexual activity legal Yes check.svg (Since 1962)
Equal age of consent Yes check.svg
Anti-discrimination laws for sexual orientation and gender identity Yes check.svg (Since 2006)
Same-sex marriage Yes check.svg (Since 2014)
Recognition of same-sex couples (e.g. civil union) Yes check.svg (Since 2011)
Joint and stepchild adoption by same-sex couples Yes check.svg
Lesbian, gay and bisexual people allowed to serve openly in the military Yes check.svg (Since 2011)
Transgender people allowed to serve openly in the military Yes check.svg (Since 2021) [121]
Intersex people allowed to serve openly in the military X mark.svg (Current DoD policy bans "hermaphrodites" from serving or enlisting in the military) [122]
Right to change legal gender Yes check.svg
Third gender option Yes check.svg / X mark.svg (Since 2020 for birth certificates, and effective from 2024 for driver's licenses) [72]
Conversion therapy banned on minors Yes check.svg (Since 2016)
Gay and trans panic defense abolished Yes check.svg (Since 2018)
LGBT anti-bullying law in schools and colleges Yes check.svg
LGBT-inclusive history education required to be taught in schools Yes check.svg (Since 2020)
Access to gender-neutral restrooms Yes check.svg (Mandated for single-occupancy restrooms since 2019)
Access to IVF for lesbian couples Yes check.svg
Surrogacy arrangements legal for gay male couples Yes check.svg
MSMs allowed to donate blood Yes check.svg / X mark.svg (Since 2020; 3-month deferral period) [123]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in New Hampshire</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of New Hampshire enjoy the same rights as non-LGBT people, with most advances in LGBT rights occurring in the state within the past two decades. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in New Hampshire, and the state began offering same-sex couples the option of forming a civil union on January 1, 2008. Civil unions offered most of the same protections as marriages with respect to state law, but not the federal benefits of marriage. Same-sex marriage in New Hampshire has been legally allowed since January 1, 2010, and one year later New Hampshire's civil unions expired, with all such unions converted to marriages. New Hampshire law has also protected against discrimination based on sexual orientation since 1998 and gender identity since 2018. Additionally, a conversion therapy ban on minors became effective in the state in January 2019. In effect since January 1, 2024, the archaic common-law "gay panic defence" was formally abolished; by legislation implemented within August 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Nevada</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of Nevada enjoy the same rights as non-LGBT people. Same-sex marriage has been legal since October 8, 2014, due to the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Sevcik v. Sandoval. Same-sex couples may also enter a domestic partnership status that provides many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage. However, domestic partners lack the same rights to medical coverage as their married counterparts and their parental rights are not as well defined. Same-sex couples are also allowed to adopt, and state law prohibits unfair discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, among other categories, in employment, housing and public accommodations. In addition, conversion therapy on minors is outlawed in the state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Delaware</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of Delaware enjoy the same legal protections as non-LGBT people. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in Delaware since January 1, 1973. On January 1, 2012, civil unions became available to same-sex couples, granting them the "rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities" of married persons. Delaware legalized same-sex marriage on July 1, 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in New Jersey</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in New Jersey have the same legal rights as non-LGBT people. LGBT persons in New Jersey enjoy strong protections from discrimination, and have had the right to marry since October 21, 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in California</span>

California is seen as one of the most liberal states in the U.S. in regard to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights, which have received nationwide recognition since the 1970s. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal in the state since 1976. Discrimination protections regarding sexual orientation and gender identity or expression were adopted statewide in 2003. Transgender people are also permitted to change their legal gender on official documents without any medical interventions, and mental health providers are prohibited from engaging in conversion therapy on minors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Massachusetts</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of Massachusetts enjoy the same rights as non-LGBT people. The U.S. state of Massachusetts is one of the most LGBT-supportive states in the country. In 2004, it became the first U.S. state to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples after the decision in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, and the sixth jurisdiction worldwide, after the Netherlands, Belgium, Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in New York</span>

The U.S. state of New York has generally been seen as socially liberal in regard to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights. LGBT travel guide Queer in the World states, "The fabulosity of Gay New York is unrivaled on Earth, and queer culture seeps into every corner of its five boroughs". The advocacy movement for LGBT rights in the state has been dated as far back as 1969 during the Stonewall riots in New York City. Same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults has been legal since the New York v. Onofre case in 1980. Same-sex marriage has been legal statewide since 2011, with some cities recognizing domestic partnerships between same-sex couples since 1998. Discrimination protections in credit, housing, employment, education, and public accommodation have explicitly included sexual orientation since 2003 and gender identity or expression since 2019. Transgender people in the state legally do not have to undergo sex reassignment surgery to change their sex or gender on official documents since 2014. In addition, both conversion therapy on minors and the gay and trans panic defense have been banned since 2019. Since 2021, commercial surrogacy has been legally available within New York State.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Vermont</span>

The establishment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights in the U.S. state of Vermont is a recent occurrence, with most progress having taken place in the late 20th and the early 21st centuries. Vermont was one of 37 U.S. states, along with the District of Columbia, that issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples until the landmark Supreme Court ruling of Obergefell v. Hodges, establishing equal marriage rights for same-sex couples nationwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Connecticut</span>

The establishment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights in the U.S. state of Connecticut is a recent phenomenon, with most advances in LGBT rights taking place in the late 20th century and early 21st century. Connecticut was the second U.S. state to enact two major pieces of pro-LGBT legislation; the repeal of the sodomy law in 1971 and the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2008. State law bans unfair discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations, and both conversion therapy and the gay panic defense are outlawed in the state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Maryland</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of Maryland enjoy the same rights as non-LGBT people. Maryland has had statewide protections against discrimination based on an individual's sexual orientation since 2001 and gender identity since 2014. Legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland was approved by voters on November 6, 2012 and went into effect on January 1, 2013. Today, the state of Maryland is regarded as one of the most LGBT-friendly states in the country, with a 2022 Public Religion Research Institute showing that 87% of Marylanders support LGBTQ anti-discrimination laws. Additionally, a ban on conversion therapy on minors became effective on October 1, 2018. In October 2020, Montgomery County passed unanimously an ordinance that implemented an LGBTIQ+ bill of rights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Maine</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of Maine have the same legal rights as non-LGBT people. Same-sex marriage has been recognized in Maine since December 2012, following a referendum in which a majority of voters approved an initiative to legalize same-sex marriage. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is prohibited in the areas of employment, housing, credit and public accommodations. In addition, the use of conversion therapy on minors has been outlawed since 2019, and joint adoption is permitted for same-sex couples.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Iowa</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in the U.S. state of Iowa have evolved significantly in the 21st century. Iowa began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on April 27, 2009 following a ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court, making Iowa the fourth U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage. Same-sex couples may also adopt, and state laws ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Hawaii</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of Hawaii enjoy the same rights as non-LGBT people. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1973; Hawaii being one of the first six states to legalize it. In 1993, a ruling by the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court made Hawaii the first state to consider legalizing same-sex marriage. Following the approval of the Hawaii Marriage Equality Act in November 2013, same-sex couples have been allowed to marry on the islands. Additionally, Hawaii law prohibits discrimination on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity, and the use of conversion therapy on minors has been banned since July 2018. Gay and lesbian couples enjoy the same rights, benefits and treatment as opposite-sex couples, including the right to marry and adopt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Oregon</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of Oregon have the same legal rights as non-LGBT people. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Oregon, and same-sex marriage has been legal in the state since May 2014 when a federal judge declared the state's ban on such marriages unconstitutional. Previously, same-sex couples could only access domestic partnerships, which guaranteed most of the rights of marriage. Additionally, same-sex couples are allowed to jointly adopt, and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations is outlawed in the state under the Oregon Equality Act, enacted in 2008. Conversion therapy on minors is also illegal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Pennsylvania</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania enjoy most of the same rights as non-LGBT residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Pennsylvania. Same-sex couples and families headed by same-sex couples are eligible for all of the protections available to opposite-sex married couples. Pennsylvania was the final Mid-Atlantic state without same-sex marriage, indeed lacking any form of same-sex recognition law until its statutory ban was overturned on May 20, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Rhode Island</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of Rhode Island have the same legal rights as non-LGBT people. Rhode Island established two types of major relationship recognition for same-sex couples, starting with civil unions on July 1, 2011, and then on August 1, 2013 with same-sex marriage. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is outlawed within the state namely in the areas of employment, housing, healthcare and public accommodations. In addition, conversion therapy on minors has been banned since 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Arkansas</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in the U.S. state of Arkansas face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Arkansas. Same-sex marriage became briefly legal through a court ruling on May 9, 2014, subject to court stays and appeals. In June 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that laws banning same-sex marriage are unconstitutional, legalizing same-sex marriage in the United States nationwide including in Arkansas. Nonetheless, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity was not banned in Arkansas until the Supreme Court banned it nationwide in Bostock v. Clayton County in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Indiana</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of Indiana enjoy most of the same rights as non-LGBT people. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Indiana since October 6, 2014, when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider an appeal in the case of Baskin v. Bogan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Virginia</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the Commonwealth of Virginia enjoy the same rights as non-LGBT people. LGBT rights in the state are a recent occurrence with most improvements in LGBT rights occurring in the 2000s and 2010s. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Virginia since October 6, 2014, when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to consider an appeal in the case of Bostic v. Rainey. Effective July 1, 2020, there is a state-wide law protecting LGBT persons from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit. The state's hate crime laws also now explicitly include both sexual orientation and gender identity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in New Mexico</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the U.S. state of New Mexico enjoy the same rights as non-LGBT people. New Mexico has seen prominent advances in gay and lesbian rights in recent decades. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1975. Same-sex marriage is legal statewide in New Mexico, as is adoption and access to fertility treatments for lesbian couples. Same-sex couples now enjoy the same rights as heterosexual married couples. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is banned statewide in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations. Additionally, conversion therapy on minors is prohibited in the state.

References

  1. ↑ "New Illinois law enables gender changes on birth certificates".
  2. ↑ McClelland, Edward (2011-05-06). "Why Illinois is America's most liberal state". Nbcchicago.com. Retrieved 2013-12-05.
  3. ↑ Theil, Michele (2024-02-02). "Groundbreaking map shows which US states are the least safe for LGBTQ+ people". PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
  4. ↑ Ring, Trudy (2013-11-07). "Illinois Governor will sign marriage equality legislation November 20". Advocate.com. Retrieved 2013-12-05.
  5. ↑ Berman, Melissa (June 27, 2016). "Chicago Pride Parade draws an estimated 1 million people". WGNTV. Chicago.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Painter, George (10 August 2004). "The History of Sodomy Laws in the United States: Illinois". The Sensibilities of Our Forefathers. Gay & Lesbian Archives of the Pacific Northwest. Retrieved 12 January 2012.
  7. ↑ Belovol, Maxim (April 2017). "Illinois Sodomy Laws: A Brief History and Their Repeal". The Chicago Style.
  8. ↑ "Illinois Age of Consent & Statutory Rape Laws". www.ageofconsent.net.
  9. ↑ "STATE OF ILLINOIS 89TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE" (PDF).
  10. ↑ Garcia, Monique; Long, Ray (November 5, 2013). "Lawmakers approve gay marriage in Illinois". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 13, 2020. Retrieved November 5, 2013.
  11. ↑ "Gay marriage bill passes in Illinois house, senate - on to governors desk". Suntimes.com. Archived from the original on 2013-12-03. Retrieved 2013-12-05.
  12. ↑ Barack Obama on Instagram: “Congratulations, Illinois. #LoveIsLove” (November 6, 2013)
  13. ↑ Ring, Trudy (2013-11-07). "Ill. Gov Will Sign Marriage Equality Bill November 20". Advocate.com. Retrieved 2013-12-05.
  14. ↑ "Governor Pat Quinn Signs Marriage Equality Into Law". Archived from the original on 20 November 2014. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
  15. ↑ "Illinois to provide gender-neutral marriage certificates". MyStateline.com. 2021-07-27. Retrieved 2022-04-15.
  16. ↑ https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1591&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=112&GA=103
  17. ↑ "Illinois Law | Illinois Gender Advocates". Genderadvocates.org. Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  18. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures: "States offering benefits for same-sex partners of state employees" Archived 2010-12-30 at the Wayback Machine , accessed April 16, 2011
  19. 1 2 Chicago Tribune: Rex W. Huppke, "Same-sex marriage supporters take their fight to Illinois courts," May 29, 2012, accessed May 30, 2012
  20. ↑ Minnesota Public Radio: Sophia Tareen, "ACLU challenges Ill. marriage law," May 30, 2012, accessed May 30, 2012
  21. ↑ Esposito, Stefano; Schlickerman, Becky (February 21, 2014). "Gay marriages in Cook Co. don't have to wait, judge rules". Chicago Sun Times. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  22. ↑ Manchir, Michelle (February 21, 2014). "Judge: Same sex couples can marry now in Cook County". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
  23. ↑ "775 ILCS 5/ Illinois Human Rights Act". www.ilga.gov.
  24. ↑ "Illinois Bans Anti-Gay and Anti-Transgender Discrimination" (Press release). TaskForce. 2005-01-11. Archived from the original on 2013-06-18. Retrieved 2013-12-05.
  25. 1 2 "Gov. Quinn Signs Anti-Bullying Bill" . Retrieved 2013-11-02.
  26. ↑ "Illinois Anti-Bullying Laws & Policies". StopBullying.gov. March 12, 2012.
  27. ↑ Bill Status of HB4572 100th General Assembly Illinois General Assembly
  28. ↑ "EI Urges Gov. Rauner to Extend Non-Discrimination Protections to All Illinois Workplaces". Windy City Media Group. June 15, 2018.
  29. ↑ "Illinois Gov. Vetoes Expansion of Nondiscrimination Law". www.advocate.com. August 14, 2018.
  30. ↑ "Bill Status of HB0252". Illinois General Assembly.
  31. ↑ "Thank you, @GovPritzker". Equality Illinois. Twitter. 10 August 2019.
  32. ↑ "IL SB1378". LegiScan.
  33. ↑ "Bill Status of SB1378". Illinois General Assembly.
  34. ↑ "Pritzker signs a law that requires public business directors to self-report sexual orientation".
  35. ↑ "Bill On Pritzker's Desk Aims To Promote LGBTQ People On Corporate Boards". Chicago, IL Patch. 2021-06-24. Retrieved 2021-07-31.
  36. ↑ Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986. 750 ILCS 60/103(6).
  37. ↑ "Springfield's 'bad Santas' can't kick sin tax habit". 7 December 2022.
  38. ↑ "Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of SB2109".
  39. ↑ Recent vote puts spotlight on gay adoption", Medill School of Journalism.
  40. ↑ "Illinois' equality profile". Movement Advancement Project.
  41. ↑ "What You Need to Known About Surrogacy in Illinois". American Surrogacy.
  42. 1 2 Razek, Raja (2021-07-28). "Illinois governor repeals HIV criminalization law and expands infertility coverage for same-sex couples - CNN". Edition.cnn.com. Retrieved 2022-04-15.
  43. ↑ "Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB3709". www.ilga.gov. Retrieved 2021-07-31.
  44. ↑ "Gay couples face added hurdle when starting a family: Insurance policies". NBC News. Retrieved 2021-07-31.
  45. ↑ Schoenberg, Nara (April 1, 2021). "LGBTQ and single prospective parents in Illinois would have access to fertility benefits that heterosexual couples have enjoyed for 30 years, under proposed law: 'This is an anti-discrimination bill'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2021-07-31.
  46. ↑
  47. ↑ Human Rights Campaign: Illinois Hate Crimes Law Archived 2012-07-25 at the Wayback Machine , accessed May 30, 2012
  48. ↑ "Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB3930". www.ilga.gov.
  49. ↑ "Amendment to hate crimes law clears General Assembly - Gay Lesbian Bi Trans News Archive". Windy City Times. 24 May 2015.
  50. ↑ Magazine[m, COLIN LOVETT [e]Boom (July 20, 2015). "Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner Signs Enhanced Hate Crimes Law". www.lgbtqnation.com.
  51. ↑ Stern, Mark Joseph (June 1, 2017). ""Gay Panic" Is No Longer a Legitimate Reason to Murder Someone in Illinois". Slate Magazine.
  52. ↑ "Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for SB1761". www.ilga.gov.
  53. 1 2 "Bills on birth certificates and LGBT "panic" defense signed in Illinois - Gay Lesbian Bi Trans News Archive". Windy City Times. 25 August 2017.
  54. ↑ https://www.equalityillinois.us/1-13-23-press-release/
  55. ↑ "Bill offering abortion, gender-affirming care protections heads to Governor Pritzker's desk". 11 January 2023.
  56. ↑ "Illinois enacts sweeping abortion, gender-affirming care safeguards". PBS NewsHour. 2023-01-13. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  57. ↑ "Illinois Vital Records". Idph.state.il.us. Archived from the original on 2014-07-08. Retrieved 2014-06-29.
  58. ↑ "Report: Women Who Identify As LGBT More Likely To Live In Poverty". Progress Illinois. March 17, 2015. Archived from the original on April 1, 2018.
  59. ↑ O'Hara, Mary Emily (June 11, 2014). "AMA Says Transgender People Shouldn't Require Surgery to Change Their Birth Certificate".
  60. ↑ "Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB1785". www.ilga.gov.
  61. ↑ Whiteside, Steph (15 April 2019). "New Medicaid Coverage for Transgender Illinoisans". news.wsiu.org.
  62. ↑ "Illinois Medicaid to Provide for Gender Surgery". thexradio.com. 5 April 2019.
  63. ↑ Magazine, Boom (August 20, 2015). "Illinois Republican governor signs two more pro-equality bills". www.lgbtqnation.com.
  64. ↑ "Illinois General Assembly - HB3552Vote History". www.ilga.gov.
  65. ↑ "HOUSE BILL 3552" (PDF).
  66. ↑ "HOUSE BILL 3552" (PDF).
  67. ↑ Margaret, Conchita (28 June 2019). "Illinois woman fights to change her gender after mistake on birth certificate". New York Daily News.
  68. ↑ "Woman Fights To Prove Her Gender After Decades-Old Mistake On Birth Certificate". WGNO. 27 June 2019.
  69. ↑ "Gender Neutral Marker on Illinois Birth Certificates". Equality Illinois. July 14, 2020.
  70. ↑ "Identity Document Laws and Policies". lgbtmap.org.
  71. ↑ "Illinois legislature passes bill for non-binary option on identification documents". KMOX. Springfield. 30 May 2019.
  72. 1 2 Wittich, Jake (25 August 2019). "Illinois approves nonbinary state ID documents, but gender-neutral option might not be available for years". Chicago Sun Times.
  73. ↑ "Illinois updating birth certificate for transgender dads". Associated Press News. Chicago. January 11, 2020.
  74. ↑ "Illinois to update birth certificate system for transgender parents". WMTV. January 11, 2020.
  75. ↑ "Bill Status of HB0009". Illinois General Assembly.
  76. ↑ Olsen, Dean. "Bill allowing gender changes to birth certificates without doctor's note stalls in Senate". The State Journal-Register. Retrieved 2021-07-31.
  77. ↑ Emerson, Jakob (2021-04-21). "Bill passes in Illinois House to make birth certificate sex changes easier". WICS. Retrieved 2021-07-31.
  78. ↑ "Press-release".
  79. ↑ "New Illinois law enables gender changes on birth certificates".
  80. ↑ Petrella, Dan (26 July 2019). "Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs law requiring one-person public bathrooms be gender-neutral". Chicago Tribune.
  81. ↑ "Illinois Senate Bill 556". LegiScan.
  82. ↑ "Legislation to ensure restroom access passes Illinois House". Wind City Media Group. 21 May 2019.
  83. ↑ "Illinois bill would require gender neutral bathrooms, heads to governor's desk". WIFR. 22 May 2019.
  84. ↑ "House passes gender-neutral bathroom bill over Republican concerns that one Democrat dubbed 'transphobic'". 23 April 2021.
  85. ↑ https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/illinois-all-gender-bathroom-bill-awaits-gov-pritzkers-signature/3146381/
  86. ↑ "All gender bathroom signage begins to go up in Chicago schools". News.yahoo.com. 2021-12-03. Retrieved 2022-04-15.
  87. ↑ "What could go wrong? Chicago public schools requiring the elimination of all gender-specific bathrooms". 3 December 2021.
  88. ↑ Shibu, Thomas (July 31, 2020). "Chicago hospital apologises for infant intersex surgery". Star Observer.
  89. ↑ Bollinger, Alex (August 7, 2020). "First hospital in the US apologizes for performing cosmetic genital surgery on intersex children". LGBTQ Nation.
  90. ↑ Schoenberg, Nara. "Under growing pressure from employees and activists, Lurie Children's Hospital may end controversial genital surgeries on children born with bodies that aren't typically male or female". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2021-08-26.
  91. ↑ "After Lurie Children's Pledges To Stop Surgeries On Intersex Kids, Activists Urge Other Hospitals To Follow". Block Club Chicago. 2020-07-31. Retrieved 2021-08-26.
  92. ↑ Browning, Bil. "A Chicago suburb is finally repealing a law that bans people from wearing opposite sex clothing". LGBTQ Nation. Retrieved 2021-07-31.
  93. ↑ "State Policies on Sex Education in Schools". www.ncsl.org.
  94. ↑ "LGBTQ Inclusive Curriculum Bill Approved by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker". Windy City Times. 9 August 2019.
  95. ↑ "New Illinois bill would require LGBTQ education in public schools". The Daily Northwestern. 27 May 2019.
  96. ↑ "IL HB0246". LegiScan.
  97. ↑ Foertsch McKinney, Maureen (27 May 2019). "Gender-Neutral Restroom Bill Goes To Governor For Signature". NPR Illinois.
  98. ↑ Croft, Jay (30 June 2019). "Illinois governor signs order to protect transgender students". CNN.
  99. ↑ "Critics say new sex education law goes too far".
  100. ↑ "Pritzker signs sex education bill that sparked heated General Assembly debate". 21 August 2021.
  101. ↑ Olsen, Dean. "House passes sex ed bill, sending it to Pritzker; athlete likeness bill heads to Senate". The State Journal-Register. Retrieved 2021-07-31.
  102. ↑ Schoenberg, Jenny Whidden, Nara. "Illinois legislators approve bill that would decriminalize HIV transmission". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved 2021-07-31.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  103. ↑ "Bill to ban conversion therapy on gay youth fails in Ill. state House". LGBTQ Nation. April 11, 2014.
  104. ↑ "Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB0217". www.ilga.gov.
  105. ↑ "Conversion Therapy Ban « Equality Illinois".
  106. ↑ "HB 217 information" (PDF).
  107. ↑ "Illinois House Votes to Protect LGBT Youth « Equality Illinois".
  108. ↑ "HB 217 - Illinois 99th Regular Session (2015-2016)". Open States.
  109. ↑ "Illinois becomes fifth jurisdiction in U.S. to protect LGBTQ kids from conversion therapy". Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2015-08-21.
  110. ↑ "Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HB0217". www.ilga.gov.
  111. ↑ "IL Gay Conversion Therapy Ban Doesn't Apply to Pastors, Religious Counselors, Judge Says". Cook County Record. March 1, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2017.
  112. ↑ "Pritzker signs legislation honoring Illinois service members, veterans". 15 August 2021.
  113. ↑ "Pritzker Signs Bills to Aid Seniors, Veterans". 16 August 2021.
  114. ↑ "Illinoisans back gay marriage 50-29: Crain's/Ipsos poll". Crain's Chicago Business. February 19, 2013. Retrieved February 19, 2013.
  115. ↑ Sociological Images: Opinions on Gay Rights Issues by State," June 16, 2009, accessed May 30, 2012
  116. ↑ "Illinois' voters support marriage equality" (PDF). Equality Illinois. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-10-22. Retrieved 2013-10-21.
  117. ↑ "Poll: Majority of voters support same-sex marriage". news.siu.edu.
  118. ↑ "PRRI – American Values Atlas". ava.prri.org.
  119. ↑ "PRRI – American Values Atlas". ava.prri.org.
  120. ↑ "PRRI – American Values Atlas". ava.prri.org.
  121. ↑ Baldor, Lolita; Miller, Zeke (January 25, 2021). "Biden reverses Trump ban on transgender people in military". Associated Press.
  122. ↑ "Medical Conditions That Can Keep You From Joining the Military". Military.com. 10 May 2021.
  123. ↑ McNamara, Audrey (April 2, 2020). "FDA eases blood donation requirements for gay men amid "urgent" shortage". CBS News.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.