May 19, 2004

Dear Action Alert Member,

Some time before the end of this legislative session, the Illinois House will consider a measure that guts a new Illinois law requiring employers to provide insurance programs that include contraceptive coverage. House Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 827 allows employers to deny contraceptive insurance coverage by claiming that to do so would violate their “religious and moral teachings and beliefs.”

House Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 827 does not contain a definition of what is a “religious institution or organization,” meaning that a broad range of employers could claim the exemption and deny employees critical contraceptive insurance coverage. The Illinois Health Care Right o Conscience Act already provides an exemption for defined religious groups based on the organization’s governing documents or mission statement. House Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 827 seeks to extend the legitimate protection allowed for religious groups to a broad range of employers seeking to escape their obligation under Illinois law.

The legislation is moving to the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives for a final vote. Please contact your representative in the Illinois House and urge him/her to oppose House Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 827 when it is called for a final vote. If you are unsure, you can find out who your state representative is at http://www.legis.state.il.us/default.asp.

Please contact your state representative by calling the Capitol switchboard at (217) 782-2000 and ask to be connected to his/her office. Urge your state representative to oppose House Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 827 when it is considered in the full House. If possible, please email ACLU Legislative Director Mary Dixon at mdixon3@attglobal.net to let her know you were able to contact your representative. Her ability to lobby is greatly enhanced by knowing that legislators are hearing from their constituents.