In these times of quick fixes to all problems no matter how large, there are few organizations that have the staying power of the ACLU to defend the civil rights of the most vulnerable.Featured News Article
Victory in the Illinois House of Reps. for Comprehensive Sexual Health Education
Date: 04/18/13ACLU-IL, AFC, and Planned Parenthood Support Landmark Measure Tell your state senators to support responsible sexual health education in public schools The Illinois House of Representatives passed a comprehensive sexual health education bill (HB 2675) yesterday in a vote of 66 to 52. The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois (ACLU-IL), Planned Parenthood of
Slate: Deportation Without Representation
Date: Friday, May 17, 2013A recent article in Slate talks about the immigration reform bill before Congress, and the need for a provision that would allow counsel for detained immigrants facing trial. The ACLU has published a framework for protecting civil liberties in federal immigration reform legislation, which calls for access to counsel in immigration proceedings. Without political blowback,
Progress Illinois: Illinois Senate May Vote On Comprehensive Sex Ed Bill This Week
Date: Tuesday, May 14, 2013Progress Illinois spoke with advocates working towards passing the comprehensive sexual health education bill, which would modernize sex ed for Illinois schools. The bill, which is likely to be called for a vote in the Senate next week, would create a standard for sex ed and provide students with medically accurate, age-appropriate and complete information,
The Chicago Sun-Times: Julian Bond, Brendon Ayanbadejo make robocalls to back gay-marriage bill
Date: Monday, May 13, 2013The Sun-Times reports about a new round of robocalls in support of the freedom to marry bill. The calls are expected to make the rounds this week and will target Illinois black caucus member’s districts. Civil rights activist Julian Bond, and former Chicago Bear Brendon Ayanbadejo will voice their support for gay marriage and persuade
The Chicago Sun-Times Editorial: An equality gut check on gay marriage
Date: Monday, May 13, 2013An editorial in The Chicago Sun-Times called on undeclared members of the Illinois legislature to stand up for the freedom to marry. The bill is within a few votes of passage and is expected to come up for a vote on the House floor in the coming weeks. Governor Pat Quinn has already promised his
The Chicago Tribune: Illinois looking at revamp of sex education
Date: Monday, May 13, 2013The Chicago Tribune reports on the current status of the bill that would create guidelines for teaching comprehensive sexual health education in Illinois schools. After passing in the House, the bill now awaits a vote on the Senate floor. Sponsoring Sen. Heather Steans argued that sex education today must be “comprehensive, age-appropriate and medically accurate.”
Chicago firm Jenner & Block wins award for work on ACLU and Lambda Legal case
Date: Friday, May 10, 2013The Illinois State Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity is presenting its 2013 Community Leadership Award to the Chicago law firm Jenner & Block, recognizing the firm’s work in the ACLU and Lambda Legal case, Fields v. Smith. The case challenged a Wisconsin law prohibiting prison doctors from deciding the best
DNAInfo: Number of Chicago Security Cameras ‘Frightening,’ ACLU says
Date: Friday, May 10, 2013An article on DNAInfo illustrates Chicago’s efforts to expand its surveillance camera program in light of the Boston bombings. Citing a recent ACLU of Illinois report on the city’s video surveillance cameras, there are approximately 22,000 surveillance cameras accessed by city officials. Mayor Rahm Emanuel has endorsed the use of surveillance cameras to reduce crime.
Press Release: Illinois Unites Congratulates Delaware on Enacting Marriage Equality, Looks Forward to Minnesota Win
Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2013As Delaware Gov. signs marriage equality into law and Minnesota stands poised to become 12th state extending freedom to marry, all eyes are on Illinois SPRINGFIELD – May 8, 2013 – In another national triumph for marriage equality, Delaware became the 11th state yesterday to extend the freedom to marry to gay and lesbian couples.
Press Release: Legislature considers bailout for powerful nursing home lobby
Date: Tuesday, May 7, 2013Legislature considers bailout for powerful nursing home lobby, threatening to reverse progress in provision of mental health care, cost savings in Illinois CHICAGO – The Illinois General Assembly is considering a measure (Senate Bill 45) that threatens to undermine significant recent progress in the manner that mental health care services are provided in the State
Press Release: Country Music Stars Speak Out for Passage of Marriage Equality in Illinois
Date: Friday, May 3, 2013As the final vote in the Illinois House of Representatives approaches, a group of renowned country musicians announced their support for extending the freedom to marry to gay and lesbian couples in Illinois. The music stars voiced their support in an open letter, stating that, “when two people are lucky enough to find each other