Illinois state senators have passed a bill requiring LGBT history to be taught in public schools. The bill proposes that history lessons on Illinois and the U.S. more widely must include the contributions made by the LGBT community. Schoolbooks bought by the state must “accurately portray the diversity of our society,” the bill stated. Every public elementary and high school must teach children about “the
significant role of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in society,” the bill’s sponsors wrote. Private and religious schools are not bound by the bill. The regional superintendents would be required to ensure the rule is enforced. Senator Heather Steans put forward Senate Bill 3249, which was passed by 34 votes to 18. It must now pass the state House before it can be rolled out. READ MORE
