Illinois Gov. Mandates Public Schools Teach 'LGBTQ History' to Students

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has signed a bill into law which would require the state’s public schools to teach history lessons on LGBTQ contributions to American society.

The new law (House Bill 246) mandates that any school receiving grant funds must choose textbooks that “include the roles and contributions of all people protected under the Illinois Human Rights Act and must be non-discriminatory as to any of the characteristics under the Act.”

“One of the best ways to overcome intolerance is through education and exposure to different people and viewpoints,” Democratic state Sen. Heather Steans of Chicago, one of the bill’s Senate sponsors, said in a news release, according to the Chicago Tribune. “An inclusive curriculum will not only teach an accurate version of history but also promote acceptance of the LGBTQ community.”

"[LGBTQ] INCLUSIVE CURRICULUM BILL approved by [Gov. Pitzer]," Equality Illinois tweeted. "Starting next year, [Illinois] public school students will learn about LGBTQ contributions in history. THNX Gov. Pritzker, legislative champs @staterepmoeller @SenatorSteans, amazing partners @ILSafeSchools @lgbt_legacy!"

The added indoctrination must be taught to children before they’re believed to be too old, therefore the curriculum must be completed before the students head to high school. 

"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 law reads. “No pupils shall be graduated from the eighth grade of any public school unless he or she has received such instruction in the history of the United States and gives evidence of having a comprehensive knowledge thereof.”

The reactions on Twitter say a lot:

The new law is set to take effect July 1, 2020.