The State Journal-Register has a story about upcoming free speech activity in the capitol building in Springfield. A series of displays from various religious, non-religious and advocacy groups will be exhibited in the rotunda and will last through the holiday season. The Register spoke with ACLU of Illinois Springfield chapter president Donald Hanrahan about the plans for an ACLU display in the building:

The Springfield chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union will have a tabletop display on the First Amendment in the rotunda from Dec. 9-27.
Don Hanrahan, a Springfield lawyer and chapter president, said the display will provide “a history of free speech and the separation of church and state” that helps explain why various ideas are able to be expressed in public spaces such as the rotunda.
“We believe that the Constitution has to allow religious groups to have the same rights that secular groups have,” Hanrahan added. “And that includes non-religious or even anti-religious organizations. That’s our position and that’s why we put the display up, so that people can learn the history of this.”

Read more.

The stories have been tragic. A series of reports in Chicago media have reported on a number of deaths of children, children who have had previous contact with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

For more than two decades, the ACLU of Illinois has been working to reform the child welfare system in Illinois, through a consent decree – overseen by a federal court – that has led to substantial changes to DCFS. The tragic stories of this week make clear that much work remains to be done in this area.

In just the past few years, we have gone to court to combat irresponsible budget cuts for DCFS that were passed in Springfield. More recently, we returned to court to force DCFS to reduce the number of families and children being served by each caseworker. We know that an overloaded, overworked caseworker cannot serve each child in a complete and individual fashion.

The stories about DCFS are likely to fade in coming weeks, but our work goes on. The ACLU of Illinois will continue to reform our child welfare system and ensure that every vulnerable child in Illinois is protected from harm and abuse. No system can ever be perfect – but we can and we must do better.

We will continue to update you on developments in this area. It is work about which we are very proud, for it improves the lives of those most vulnerable, and gives them hope for a better future.
 

It is almost impossible to capture the sense of celebration and joy that was present yesterday when Governor Pat Quinn signed into law Senate Bill 10, making Illinois the 16th state to recognize the freedom to marry. Perhaps no line better captured the spirit of the moment than one uttered by Illinois' Lt. Governor Sheila Simon: "It is time to stop planning rallies and start planning weddings!"

For me, the day was made complete as we were joined by four of our clients in the lawsuit seeking marriage in Illinois: Tim Kee and Rick Wade from near Marion; Michelle Mascaro and Corynne Romine of Oak Park; Danielle Cook and Suzie Hutton of Bloomington; and, Kirsten and Tanya Lyonsford -- along with their children, Andrea and Zach -- of Aurora.  To be able to share their joy and elation as their relationships were recognized with the dignity and full inclusion of marriage in our state was rewarding and fulfilling.

It also was an incredibly proud moment to be present when the key House sponsor Representative Greg Harris gave special credit to my colleagues Mary Dixon and Khadine Bennett, our irreplaceable lobby team in Springfield. Both contributed immensely to this victory.

Tanya, Kirsten, Zach and Andrea Lyonsford with Ed Yohnka after the bill signing ceremony

 

Getting to "yes" on marriage in Illinois has been arduous and, at times, frustrating. But yesterday made up for all of that. With the stroke of a pen, Governor Quinn pushed Illinois forward and made life better for thousands of gay and lesbian couples and their families all across the State. As I sat with Andrea and Zach Lyonsford, I also realized that life just got better for thousands and thousands of children across Illinois -- both children of gay and lesbian parents whose families are now fully recognized in our state, as well as gay, lesbian and questioning teens who can walk a little taller and realize that one day they will be able to marry the person they love.

In the end, the line that struck home for me yesterday was uttered by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, observed that Illinois no longer has "straight" marriage and "gay" marriage, it is just marriage. That is a good day for all Illinois residents.

Questions about the new marriage law? Read our FAQs.