A controversial amendment to the Illinois Human Rights Act, extending anti-discrimination protection on the basis of sexual orientation, was pushed vigorously in the legislature by the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.The law, signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich last week, allows no exemptions for people or institutions with religious convictions against sodomy, cross-dressing, adultery, sex changes, pornography, incest, group sex or even bestiality.
Some are suggesting the amendment is setting up a clash with the First Amendment protections of religious freedom.
The legislation, which had been stalled in the General Assembly for many years, was the focus of a major push by the ACLU of Illinois in 2004, according to the organization's annual report (pdf file). It says John Knight, director of the group's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered Rights Project and ACLU legislative ...