News & Commentary
Dec 13, 2012
Illinois Legislators to push vote to approve the freedom to marry for same-sex couples
Today, the chief sponsors of legislation to approve the freedom to marry for same sex couples in the Illinois House and Illinois Senate said that they will push for a vote on the measure in early January. State Representative Greg Harris and State Senator Heather Steans said today they believe the Illinois General Assembly is ready to add Illinois to the list of states that recognizes the love and commitment of all couples, including same sex couples.The following can be attributed to Edwin C. Yohnka, Director of the Communications and Public Policy at the ACLU of Illinois:
Nov 20, 2012
It's just time for marriage in Illinois
12/13/12 UPDATE: Legislative leaders announced plans to push for a vote on the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in early January.
Oct 25, 2012
AP: Judge OKs agreement between state, ACLU over updating birth certificates after sex changes
Aug 20, 2012
Statement on Grey v. Hasbrouck
Over the past few years, the ACLU of Illinois has been working to ensure that transgender individuals who were born in Illinois are able to obtain an Illinois birth certificate with the correct gender marker. Recently, we reached an agreement, in the form of a proposed consent decree with the State of Illinois that insures that individuals can obtain a new, accurate birth certificate without being forced to undergo genital surgery that they may not need or want, or that may not be available to them. The court has preliminarily approved the consent decree. The next step in the process is for the judge to hold a "fairness hearing" on the matter -- set for October 23, 2012. If you believe you are a member of the class of those affected by the settlement (the class definition is listed below), you are permitted to make comments about or objections to the proposed consent decree before it receives final approval. You can find the details below, or by downloading this PDF.
Aug 08, 2012
Let's Be Clear: Transgender Discrimination IS Sex Discrimination
Recently, the ACLU and numerous allied coalition partners wrote to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to request that HHS issue guidance to make clear that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s prohibition on sex discrimination applies to discrimination based on gender identity and sex stereotypes. The fact that someone is transgender or does not conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity and femininity should never be a barrier to accessing health care services.
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