A measure that would roll back some of the protections that the Illinois Human Rights Bill—which prohibits discrimination on the bases of sexual orientation and gender identity—currently provides has been filed in the Illinois Senate.
SB3447, if passed, would allow secular nonprofit institutions and organizations claiming an affiliation with a religious institution or society to legally discriminate against its employees based on religious belief and sexual orientation.
Several organizations have taken action. For example, LGBT Change is directing people to visit
secure.aclu.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1973
to fill out a petition that will be sent to the person’s state senator and representative. Equality Illinois is urging individuals to contact their state senators, especially if they are on the 11-member Judiciary Committee, which is considering the measure first.
State Sen. Bill Brady—currently the Republican candidate for governor—originally filed the measure. However, state Sen. John O. Jones now is shown as the chief sponsor. The committee is scheduled to vote on the measure March 2.