HR0895LRB103 42510 LAW 75742 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+)
3veterans have honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces
4throughout the nation's history; and
 
5    WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ veterans have faced numerous
6discriminatory policies, including the ban on open service,
7and policies such as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" that forced them
8to hide their identities; and
 
9    WHEREAS, Historical policies such as Executive Order 10450
10and subsequent military regulations discriminated against
11LGBTQ+ individuals, labeling them as security risks or unfit
12for service due to their sexual orientation or gender
13identity; and
 
14    WHEREAS, These policies led to the discharge and exclusion
15of LGBTQ+ servicemembers, denying them the recognition and
16benefits they deserved and causing lasting harm; and
 
17    WHEREAS, On September 20, 2011, the "Don't Ask, Don't
18Tell" policy was officially repealed, allowing gay, lesbian,
19and bisexual individuals to serve openly in the U.S. military;
20and
 

 

 

HR0895- 2 -LRB103 42510 LAW 75742 r

1    WHEREAS, The Department of Defense and the Department of
2Veterans Affairs have begun to address the injustices faced by
3LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans, including discharge
4upgrades; and
 
5    WHEREAS, Ongoing challenges remain for LGBTQ+
6servicemembers and veterans in achieving equitable treatment
7and access to benefits, including healthcare services such as
8gender-affirming care; and
 
9    WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ Veterans Day celebrates the contributions
10and sacrifices of LGBTQ+ veterans, acknowledges the continued
11need for progress in ensuring their rights and recognition,
12and serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and
13equality in all aspects of military and civilian life and as a
14call to action for further outreach and support for LGBTQ+
15veterans; therefore, be it
 
16    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
17HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
18we declare September 20, 2024 as LGBTQ+ Veterans Day in the
19State of Illinois to honor and celebrate the courage,
20commitment, and service of LGBTQ+ veterans and to acknowledge
21the historical and ongoing challenges they face.