LGBTQ rights in Illinois
LGBTQ rights in Illinois | |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal since 1962 (Legislative repeal) |
| Gender identity | Sex reassignment surgery not required to change gender on official documents |
| Discrimination protections | Protections for sexual orientation and gender identity (see below) |
| Family rights | |
| Recognition of relationships | Civil unions since 2011; Same-sex marriage since 2014 |
| Adoption | Same-sex couples may jointly adopt |
Illinois is seen as one of the most progressive states in the U.S. in regard to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) rights and often viewed as one of the most liberal states in the Midwestern United States. Same-sex sexual activity has been legal since 1962, after Illinois became the first U.S. state to repeal its sodomy laws. Same-sex marriage was banned by statute in 1996, but has since been legalized after a law allowing such marriages was signed by Governor Pat Quinn on November 20, 2013 and went into effect on June 1, 2014. Civil unions have been recognized since 2011, and same-sex couples are also allowed to adopt. Additionally, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is banned in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations, and conversion therapy on minors has been outlawed since 2016.
Chicago has a vibrant LGBTQ community. The first pride parade took place in 1970, a year after the Stonewall riots. Since 2013, the Chicago Pride Parade has attracted about 1 million attendees each year. 2019 polling from the Public Religion Research Institute showed that 74% of Illinois residents supported anti-discrimination legislation protecting LGBTQ people.