Illinois state Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, has received the 2010 Community Leadership Award from the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA). He received the award June 25 during the organization’s 134th annual meeting at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch, St. Louis, Mo.
The honor—given by the ISBA’s Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity—recognizes individuals for efforts to foster understanding of LGBT individuals and their issues of concern.
As the highest-ranking openly gay elected Illinois official, and one who lives with AIDS, Harris mobilized people and groups into action that generates results, especially on the issue of HIV/AIDS, according to an ISBA press release.
Since joining the Illinois House, Harris has sponsored bills covering numerous topics, including civil unions, post-mastectomy care and historic preservation.
The 33,000-member ISBA, with offices in Springfield and Chicago, provides professional services to Illinois lawyers, and education and services to the public.