In a discussion that they called a "first step," LGBT advocates met with Gov. Bruce Rauner, on March 20 and agreed on a three-part plan to help alleviate unequal treatment among Illinoisans.
The plan calls for a directive calling for careful enforcement of anti-discrimination and anti-bullying regulations by state government agencies; a nine-month study of discrimination against minority groups, including the LGBT community; and the appointment of an LGBT liaison between the Rauner administration and the community.
The meeting took place in the governor's office in the James R. Thompson Center. Those taking part in the discussion included Bernard Cherkasov, CEO of Equality Illinois; Owen Daniel-McCarter of Transformative Justice Project of Illinois; Christopher Clark, counsel and Young Adults, Teens and Program Strategist of Lambda Legal; Kenny Ocasio, board vice-president for ALMA Chicago; and activist Mary Morten.
"Today was the just the beginning of our work, and there is a lot for us to do," Cherkasov told Windy City Times.
The anti-discrimination enforcement would ensure that state agencies rigorously carry out their responsibilities to enforce regulations that protect Illinoisans. "There are some agency heads, such as Rev. Meeks, who was confirmed yesterday, who are much less LGBT-friendly than others," Cherkasov noted. "This would make sure that they are all on board."
Budget issues did not arise during the meeting, so Cherkasov was unable to say whether the directive indicates that administration officials are amenable to restoring anti-bullying line items to the state budget that were zeroed out.
The liaison has already been designated but Cherkasov was not yet able to say who it was.
He emphasized that the meeting was only a preliminary one. "We did not paper over our past disagreements. Our community has been subject to discrimination, so there's a lot that needs to be carved out. [Rauner] said in the State of the State speech that he is working to lift individuals up. This is an important first step."
