The Land of Lincoln will require public schools to incorporate LGBTQ figures into history lessons.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday signed House Bill 246, which mandates the following: “In public schools only, the teaching of history shall include a study of the roles and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the history of this country and this State.”
The bill, introduced by Rep. Anna Moeller, will go into effect in July.
“THNX Gov. Pritzker, legislative champs @staterepmoeller @SenatorSteans, amazing partners @ILSafeSchools @lgbt_legacy!” Equality Illinois, the state’s largest LGBTQ civil rights group tweeted Friday.
State Sen. Heather Steans, who also sponsored the bill, said earlier this year that lawmakers sought to “not only teach an accurate version of history but also promote acceptance of the LGBTQ community.”
“One of the best ways to overcome intolerance is through education and exposure to different people and viewpoints,” the Democrat said, WGN reported.
