Illinois Governor Quinn to Sign Antibullying Legislation; Lambda Legal Applauds

(Chicago, IL, June 25, 2010) — On Sunday, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will sign into law SB 3266, the Prevent School Violence Act, a bill that covers bullying specifically targeted at students because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, among other categories. In response, Lambda Legal released the following statement from Christopher Clark, Senior Staff Attorney in Lambda Legal's Midwest Regional Office in Chicago:

"Lambda Legal applauds Governor Quinn for signing this important piece of legislation that will clearly protect students who are vulnerable to bullying, harassment and discrimination. We congratulate the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance and others who worked tirelessly for its passage.

"This law represents a great victory for students, parents and educators because it defines bullying for the first time in Illinois law and explicitly prohibits bullying based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Our schools should be a place where all children, including LGBT students, can learn safely.

"Lambda Legal has worked for years in courts to defend lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students against discrimination and harassment in schools. This new law sends the message to students and faculty in Illinois public schools that harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity is not okay."

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