The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization,
lauds Lambda Legal and the ACLU for filing coordinated lawsuits
challenging the constitutionality of Illinois disparate treatment of
same-sex couples under state law. The cases, limited to the state of
Illinois, seek recognition from the courts of the inferior status of
civil unions.
“Thank you to the ACLU, Lambda Legal, and most importantly to the
courageous couples who have made their stories public in order to
achieve equality for all same-sex couples in Illinois ,” said HRC
President Joe Solmonese. “These laws suits are a critical step on our
journey. ”
HRC will continue to work in coalition with advocates in the state,
such as Equality Illinois, to advance marriage equality legislation in
the state House and Senate. Both the lawsuits and legislation promote
critical conversations on the impact of discriminatory laws on same-sex
couples and their families. Pursuing two strategies increases the odds
of success in Illinois.