Capitol Fax, a blog focused on Illinois politics, publishes a letter from an African American veteran of the Marine Corps, discharged under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Marine Sargent Marquell Smith calls on legislators to pass the freedom to marry in Illinois. 

Like you I'm African-American. I learned that the struggles of our people are a symbol of hope for those being discriminated against. We cannot let an important vehicle of past struggles —African-American churches— become the gatekeepers of the rights to dignity of others. Who are we to deny someone else the right to marry because we don’t agree with who they love?

Equality begins when people in positions of power enable everyone to live lives of decency and dignity, free from any prejudice in the law. Black folks did not want anyone’s permission to live freely; we can not rest until this dream is realized for everyone.

Read the whole letter (pdf).

The Chicago Tribune reports significant legislation updating the rules on sexual health education in Illinois passed the Senate on a 37-21 vote. The ACLU of Illinois has worked, as part of a broader coalition, to pass this critical bill which ensures that students receive age-appropriate, medically accurate and comprehensive information about their sexual health. The bill now moves to Governor Quinn's desk for signature.

The legislation is a change from current policy, where abstinence is the only requirement for schools with sex ed classes. The measure was approved on a 37-21 vote and needed 30 to pass.

Supporters argue that abstinence-only education is not effective and students should be taught about other methods of birth control and protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Opponents contend abstinence-only education should remain the norm in schools, saying parents should decide how to educate their kids about sex.

Sponsoring Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, said the measure still would require schools to teach that abstinence is the only way to prevent pregnancy and disease, while at the same time allowing "students to make healthy decisions for themselves."

Read the whole thing.