Illinois Legislature bans discrimination based on sexual orientation

Illinois recently joined the ranks of more than a dozen other states after the senate passed what Gov. Rod Blagojevich called a "landmark" bill banning discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Blagojevich vowed to sign the bill last week, which aims to prevent discrimination in matters of housing and employment.

While some believe the law will not change policies in southern Illinois, particularly in Carbondale where it has been illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation for a year, others say the bill grants "special rights" and doesn't actually address the issue of equality.

"While the bill may have an effect in other communities around the state, it really isn't an issue for people at this University or in Carbondale," said Paulette Curkin, faculty adviser of the Saluki Rainbow Network, SIUC's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender support group.

"The school already prohibits that sort of discrimination, and Carbondale adopted similar laws about a year ago. It's certainly a good measure, but it won't change anything drastically in the area."

This seemingly tolerant attitude around Carbondale is something Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, who opposed the bill, said he will have to deal with. But he said he stands by his vote and believes the bill provides an excuse for people to claim discrimination for no reason.

"I will probably take more flack for my decision than other legislators in southern Illinois because the University community is generally more accepting, but I don't think the bill really addresses equal rights, and I think that is what most of my constituents believe as well.

"A person can be a bad worker or a bad renter even if they are gay. Now, I believe, it opens to door for someone who was fired or who was evicted the opportunity to say, 'They did that because I was gay.'"

Furthermore, critics such as Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, said the bill sets the stage for some to push for the legalization of same-sex marriage. Curkin said that simply isn't true.

"This has nothing to do with marriage," Curkin said. "That would be like saying the civil rights movement contributed to heterosexual marriage. This is a fairness issue, and it's something a lot of people in this area support, whether the local politicians believe it or not."