Illinois Gears Up For The Fight

They have civil unions, but now they are taking the next step.
A group of Illinois legislators have begun meeting with local LGBT groups to strategize on making marriage equality a reality in Illinois.

State representatives Greg Harris, Deb Mell, Ann Williams, Kelly Cassidy, Sara Feigenholtz and Senator Heather Steans are in talks with Illinois organizations about introducing a bill that would allow same-sex partners to marry in Illinois.

Now, according to Harris, the bill will not likely be introduced until at least 2013, and he admits that the fight will be difficult, especially as anti-gay political candidates work to bolster support for upcoming presidential elections: "I do not delude myself into thinking this will be an easy process. But we need to take the first step."

You take one step. And then take it again. And again.

One reason for the wait until 2013, is that this November, the entire general assembly will be up for election. Maybe they can sweep out those who fight equality, and vote in those who understand that discrimination is un-American.

Keep fighting Illinois.

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Here's ONE Reason He's So Hot

Alexi Giannoulias on Equality:

Illinois Steps Up

By a margin of 108 to no one, the Illinois house of Representatives passed a bill that requires schools to adopt policies prohibiting bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and several other characteristics. The state senate passed the measure earlier this month, with only two votes against it, and Governor Pat Quinn is expected to sign it into law.

Now, if only the rest of the country.....

The legislation also seeks to require schools to offer students training in how to resist bullying and take other reasonable steps to stop harassment.

Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov: “Students who are perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender are particularly vulnerable to bullying. And the attempted suicide rate among LGBT students, which is as much as three times higher than the general average, presents alarming evidence for just how urgently we need this law. This was a no-nonsense bill, and I am so glad that it sailed quickly through both chambers of the legislature.”

Since bullying can often lead to suicide, that's the exact stance we should take on bullying, from fellow students, to teachers, administrators and parents: No nonsense.