Senate passes bill requiring LGBT history in public schools

The Illinois Senate recently passed a bill that would require public schools to teach lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history.

The bill, which passed with a 34-18 vote, requires “all elementary and high schools to teach a unit studying the role and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the history of this country and this State.” The bill also states that textbooks used in public schools must be inclusive and “non-discriminatory.”

Democratic Sen. Heather Steans told Fox News, teaching LGBT history in schools is important to “increase compassion and understanding as well as to provide historical role models for LGBT students.”

Illinois Family Institute lobbyist Ralph Rivera argued, “It is well known that controversies of the transgender and homosexual movement are in direct contradiction to the clear Judeo-Christian beliefs of many in Illinois. Schools should teach that we should be respectful of each student and each person. This is what we all agree on. However, schools should not be used to advocate for lifestyles that are against the religious values of the students and parents.”