A proposed law in Springfield could allow child services to consider a child’s gender identity and access to abortion in determining placement in the care of someone in a state outside of Illinois.
Nicknamed the SECURE Act, the bill also includes language that seeks to protect children from discrimination, along with the new considerations for the Department of Child and Family Services.
Nora Collins with ACLU Illinois said the bill is important to her organization’s goals surrounding youth, family and foster care.
The bill faced pushback in a Senate hearing, where Ralph Rivera, a representative of Illinois Right to Life Action, argued it threatens parental rights.
Rivera said the bill is a lawsuit waiting to happen, and it would put into statute the ability for children to affirm a different gender than the one they were born and access to abortion, all without parental involvement.
The committee voted to recommend the Senate pass the legislation. Republicans dissented.
Story from Illinois Radio Network
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