State Rep. Kelly Cassidy has introduced a bill in the general assembly that aims to add gender identity to pre-existing hate crimes law.
HB4725 would amend the hate crimes criminal code to include gender identity in addition to military status and immigration status. The bill was filed Feb. 3 after months of talks with local LGBT activists. Also sponsoring the bill are Reps. Greg Harris, Deb Mell and Edward Acevedo.
"Trans individuals face extreme and pervasive discrimination in everyday life," said Anthony Martinez, executive director of The Civil Rights Agenda. "This is an extremely important bill for the transgender community."
Current Illinois hate crime laws already cover sexual orientation. The proposed amendment would add protections for those who are targeted for being perceived as transgender or gender-variant.
The bill may not win support of the entire transgender community as some local and national trans rights groups argue that hate crimes legislation misplaces trust in the criminal legal system.
Windy City Times will update as details become available.