HR0895 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0895 LRB103 42510 LAW 75742 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) veterans have honorably served in the U.S. Armed Forces throughout the nation's history; and

WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ veterans have faced numerous discriminatory policies, including the ban on open service, and policies such as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" that forced them to hide their identities; and

WHEREAS, Historical policies such as Executive Order 10450 and subsequent military regulations discriminated against LGBTQ+ individuals, labeling them as security risks or unfit for service due to their sexual orientation or gender identity; and

WHEREAS, These policies led to the discharge and exclusion of LGBTQ+ servicemembers, denying them the recognition and benefits they deserved and causing lasting harm; and

WHEREAS, On September 20, 2011, the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy was officially repealed, allowing gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals to serve openly in the U.S. military; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs have begun to address the injustices faced by LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans, including discharge upgrades; and

WHEREAS, Ongoing challenges remain for LGBTQ+ servicemembers and veterans in achieving equitable treatment and access to benefits, including healthcare services such as gender-affirming care; and

WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ Veterans Day celebrates the contributions and sacrifices of LGBTQ+ veterans, acknowledges the continued need for progress in ensuring their rights and recognition, and serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and equality in all aspects of military and civilian life and as a call to action for further outreach and support for LGBTQ+ veterans; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare September 20, 2024 as LGBTQ+ Veterans Day in the State of Illinois to honor and celebrate the courage, commitment, and service of LGBTQ+ veterans and to acknowledge the historical and ongoing challenges they face.