Didech Legislation to Protect LGBTQ Illinoisans from Discrimination

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Committed to supporting equal rights for all, state Rep. Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, is spearheading legislation that would strengthen our democracy by securing the right to participate in jury service for every Illinois resident.

“While the LGBTQ community has made tremendous progress over the last decade, much more work remains to be done to ensure equal protection under the law,” Didech said. “This legislation is a necessary step to ensure every Illinoisan is able to participate in functions critical to our democracy.” 

Didech is sponsoring SB l378, which would establish non-discrimination protections in jury service for LGBTQ Illinoisans, ensuring prospective jurors are not excluded from service due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Currently, state law ensures that prospective jurors are not excluded due to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status. Didech’s bill would add “sexual orientation” to that list. The measure passed the Senate unanimously earlier this year.      

Didech will also be hosting a Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Saturday, June 22 at 11 a.m. at the Vernon Township Community Service Building, located at 2900 N. Main St. in Buffalo Grove, with Equality Illinois Director of Public Policy, Mike Ziri, to discuss the work being done on the state level to protect and expand the rights of LGBTQ residents. 

“If a jury of one’s peers is to be representative of the community, state law should protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in jury service,” CEO of Equality Illinois, Brian C. Johnson said. “By doing so, we are ensuring Illinois remains one of the strongest states in the country for and equality and justice. We thank Rep. Didech for his leadership on this measure and keeping Illinois moving forward.”