Three new LGBT equality laws that were Equality Illinois’ legislative priorities in 2015 are in effect as of January 1, 2016:
- A ban on dangerous and ineffective conversion therapy to protect LGBT youth,
- Enhanced hates crimes protections that specifically include gender identity as a protected category and extends hate crime protections to LGBT community centers, and
- Requiring gender identity wishes to be followed in funerals and burials.
Equality Illinois worked hard with allies and legislative sponsors to pass the laws and secure the approval of Gov. Rauner. Now we will make sure they and all the laws that protect LGBT Illinoisans are enforced as we continue our work to build a more just Illinois in 2016.