Read more about the BRCA Supreme Court case, Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, here.
Progress 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, ensuring that they learn how to make responsible decisions about their health. Ramon Gardenhire, director of government relations at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, was one of the advocates interviewed for the article.
Illinois does not mandate sex education in schools. But under current law, schools that choose to have sex education programs must emphasize abstinence. Schools can teach lessons on birth control and contraception, but it is not required.
Currently, there is a “hodgepodge” of sex education curricula that’s being taught across the state, Gardenhire said.
The measure looks to set a baseline for what is being taught across school districts, while also providing room for local discretion in terms of what curricula districts choose to fit their community’s needs.
The 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 constituents to contact their legislators to urge them to vote for the bill.
Ayanbedejo, a three-time pro-bowler, has been an outspoken supporter of gay rights and made national headlines last month announcing that a group of NFL players were prepared to come out in the days after NBA player Jason Collins’ revelation. In his call, Ayanbedejo — who was born in Illinois — touches on being the son of a biracial couple whose relationship was once illegal in this country.
“It’s time to take those steps once again in Illinois. We need to let the world know that Illinois accepts all people regardless of who they love,” he says in the call.
Bond’s involvement, meanwhile, underscores gay-rights’ advocates argument that the modern-day same-sex marriage movement is akin to fighting for racial equality during the nation’s civil rights era.
In recent weeks, some members of the Black Caucus have come out in support of gay marriage, including Illinois Rep. Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago), who signed on as a co-sponsor to the pending bill.
