The Examiner reported on a bill Governor Pat Quinn signed into law that makes it easier for law enforcement to secretly record and videotape suspects of drug crimes. The ACLU of Illinois opposes this law and believes that police officers can get warrants fast enough. Communications Director Ed Yohnka spoke to their reporter:

“The fact is that police officers are able to get warrants when there’s a legitimate reason to do so in a hurry,” he said

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The Pantagraph reported that Illinois state Rep. David Reis, R-Willow Hill has introduced a resolution to the general assembly affirming the ban on marriage for same sex couples. The ACLU of Illinois supports lifting the unconstitutional ban on the freedom to marry for same sex couples, and agrees with state Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, when he says the people’s views have changed since the original ban was instated in 1986.

State Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, who was the sponsor of the law legalizing civil unions last year, said he is doubtful Reis' proposal will be brought up for a vote.

"I think the viewpoint of most Illinoisans has changed on this issue," Harris said.

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On Top Magazine reported that there are calls from foes of gay rights for Judge Sophia Hall to recuse herself from presiding over the ACLU’s marriage lawsuit because she is openly gay. Ed Yohnka, Director of Communications and Public Policy at ACLU of Illinois, disagrees with those saying Judge Hall’s sexual orientation creates a conflict of interest.

“If the suggestion is that Judge Hall cannot, based on mere assertion, decide this case fairly and based upon the law, we simply disagree. Judge Hall has an excellent reputation as a careful jurist.”

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