Governor Rauner Approves Ban on Use of LGBTQ Panic Defense Equality Illinois Legislative Agenda Becomes Law CHICAGO (August 28, 2017)–Criminal defendants who kill LGBTQ people can no longer be acquitted by claiming a panic defense–that they were provoked by a fear of the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity–under a new law signed by Gov. …
Equality Illinois 2017 Legislative Agenda Advances LGBTQ Civil Rights Signed into law: Banning panic defense, building visibility on state boards, and modernizing birth certificate changes The Equality Illinois 2017 legislative agenda is a package of bills to advance the civil rights protections of LGBTQ Illinoisans in the criminal justice system, improve representation on public boards and …
Equality Illinois LGBTQ Spring to Action Agenda Focuses on Local Events Throughout Illinois Events scheduled in Springfield, Peoria, Carbondale, Bloomington-Normal, and Metro East CHICAGO (March 2, 2017)–LGBTQ Americans find themselves in a position we haven’t been in for nearly a decade: fighting against an administration that wants to turn back the clock on LGBTQ rights. …
Equality Illinois announces its 2017 legislative agenda, a package of bills to advance the civil rights protections of LGBTQ Illinoisans in the criminal justice system, improve representation on public boards and commissions and assist transgender Illinoisans. Our robust agenda includes banning so-called “gay panic defense” and ”trans panic defense” in murder cases, ensuring non-discrimination in …
Equality Illinois 2017 Legislative Agenda Advances LGBTQ Civil Rights Robust package includes banning panic defense, ensuring equal jury service, visibility on state boards, and modernizing birth certificate changes SPRINGFIELD (February 13, 2017) – Equality Illinois announced on Monday its 2017 legislative agenda, a package of bills to advance the civil rights protections of LGBTQ Illinoisans …
Equality Illinois Releases Robust 2016 Legislative Agenda Includes end to panic defenses, non-discrimination in jury service and easier birth certificate changes SPRINGFIELD (February 19, 2016) – Equality Illinois on Friday announced its 2016 legislative agenda, including prohibiting the use of panic defenses in murder cases, implementing non-discrimination protections for jury service, and modernizing the process …
On National Coming Out Day, Equality Illinois Calls on Governor Rauner to Ensure His Appointments Better Reflect the Full Diversity of Illinois Equality Illinois criticizes Governor Rauner for only reporting 1 openly LGBTQ appointee among the 1,495 appointees to Illinois state boards and commissions (October 11, 2018) Chicago – On National Coming Out Day, when …
Equality Illinois Honors Planned Parenthood of Illinois and LGBTQ Rights Activist Jim Bennett Recognition will be at the 2018 Equality Illinois Gala presented by United Airlines CHICAGO (September 27, 2017)–For their dedication to social justice and equality, Planned Parenthood of Illinois and veteran LGBTQ rights activist Jim Bennett will be honored at the 2018 Equality …
LGBTQ and allied groups met with Gov. Bruce Rauner Tuesday morning to discuss challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Illinoisans that might find remedy in actions by the state. The issues discussed during the meeting at Equality Illinois included healthcare and human services, youth and schools, housing, immigration, LGBTQ cultural competency of …
Governor Rauner Meets with Leaders of LGBTQ and Allied Organizations Leaders present expansive agenda to advance LGBTQ equality in Illinois (Note: Pictures of the meeting are at the bottom of this press release.) CHICAGO (September 26, 2017)–LGBTQ and allied groups met with Gov. Bruce Rauner Tuesday morning to discuss challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, …
Gov. Rauner Signs LGBTQ Public Service Bill CHICAGO (August 21, 2017)–At a time when federal protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Americans are being rolled back at the federal level, a bill to encourage public service by LGBTQ Illinoisans has been signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner. The LGBTQ Public Service Bill is an …
As Pride Month Begins, Equality Illinois Says Celebrations Must Be Joined by Action in Memory of the Pulse Nightclub Shooting Victims CHICAGO (June 1, 2017)–As Pride Month began one year ago we were looking ahead to joyous celebrations. Then on June 12, 2016 the Pulse nightclub in Orlando was targeted for a vicious hate crime …
Given our momentum, it may seem like full equality for the LGBT community is inevitable, but in the last month, we have seen several reminders that our work is not done. Today is both Giving Tuesday and #ILGiveBig, you can help us hit our goal of 1000 donations so that we can continue the important work that …
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