Illinois could soon mandate public schools to teach LGBTQ history.
The Illinois House approved HB 246 March 13 which would require K-12 public schools to teach LGBTQ history. It now goes to the Senate where if passed, it would become effective July 1, 2020.
The bill requires public schools purchase textbooks “with grant funds [that] must be non-discriminatory. Provides that in public schools only, the teaching of history of the United States shall include a study of the roles and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the history of this country and this State.”
HB 246 passed on vote of 60-42 with 13 representatives not voting. It’s main sponsor is State Representative Anna Moeller (Chicago). Equality Illinois and the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance helped draft the bill and are supporters.
A similar bill was passed by the Senate last year but failed to be voted on by the House before the end of the session. Ralph Rivera, legislative chairman of Illinois Right to Life Action, said the bill has been “sent to the Senate Assignments Committee but should begin hearings in a few weeks.”
To contact your State Senator and Governor Pritzker, go to www.VoterVoice.net.