Illinois expands legislation to protect LGBTQ service members

[Jim G.]

https://newschannel20.com/news/local/illinois-expands-legislation-to-protect-lgbtq-service-members?fbclid=IwAR1Z7IBTakmBjNQSOOYjoy7NKflGjI-z09xJE8sjp2MlkRjgZzmqeh9hxyk

SPRINGFIELD, IL (WICS/WRSP) — Illinois leaders are actively working to improve the lives of Illinois service members, including those of the LGBTQ community.

Seven bills were signed by governor JB Pritzker at the state fair on Sunday, August 15 to further legislation to honor and protect veterans, service members, and their partners.

House Bill 1290 expands the state's definition of honorable discharge to include veterans who were discharged because of their sexuality or gender identity.

Under the old "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans were prohibited from serving in the armed forces.

The new legislation opens the doors for those veterans to upgrade their service records to an honorable status under state law.

This entitles them to benefits like medical care and a military burial.

"It's time Illinois stood up for our LGBTQ service members,” Gov. JB Pritzker said. “It's an overdue amendment for so many."

Any of these service members who were dishonorably discharged or received bad conduct discharge for reasons other than their sexuality is not impacted by this new legislation.

This law will take effect on January 1, 2022.

Over 13,000 enlisted members of the LGBTQ community were discharged while the old policy was in effect.