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News :: Miscellaneous |
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Gay Rights Activists Scheduled for Trial in Springfield |
Current rating: 0 |
by Danielle Chynoweth
Email: imc-newsroom (nospam) urbana.indymedia.org (unverified!)
Phone: 217-344-8820 (IMC)
Address: Urbana, IL |
28 Aug 2001
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Five gay rights activists who were arrested in the Illinois capitol May 9 are scheduled for trial this Wednesday on the charge of criminal trespass to state supported land. |
Five gay rights activists who were arrested in the Illinois capitol May 9 are scheduled for trial this Wednesday on the charge of criminal trespass to state supported land.
On May 9, members of the 85% Coalition attended a public hearing before the Senate Executive Committee concerning House Bill 101. House Bill 101, which amends the Illinois Human Rights Act to include sexual orientation, passed in the Illinois House in April. During the public hearing, sponsors of the gay rights bill pulled it from public debate, fearing that it would die in the Senate Executive Committee. When it was announced that the bill would not be heard, activists marched to the front of the hearing room, faced the committee, and chanted, "No, no, we won’t go, until we have equality" and "We’re you’re daughters, we’re your sons, pass House Bill 101." Five were arrested and charged with criminal trespass to state supported land which carries a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and $2500 fine.
"Regardless of the outcome on Wednesday, we have vowed to continue to protest until queer people have equal access to employment, public accommodations, housing, and credit which is what HB 101 would provide," said Kim Kranich, one of the arrestees.
Since 1997, bills similar to HB 101 have been introduced into the legislature and failed. House Bill 101 now sits in the Senate Rules Committee awaiting assignment to another committee. Sponsors of the bill are hoping it will move it to a committee where it would have a chance of being sent on to the Senate.
The 85 % Coalition is a direct action group seeking civil rights of gay, lesbian, and transgender people in Illinois. They take their name from a 1998 statewide survey by the University of Illinois which indicated that 85% of Illinois residents support equal rights for gays and lesbians. 85% Coalition members have been demonstrating in the capitol for gay rights legislation since November of 1999. |
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by Danielle Chynoweth
(No verified email address) |
Current rating: 0
28 Aug 2001
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Listen in to Free Speech Radio News Tuesday at 5 PM on WEFT 90.1 FM when this headline will air. |
