State Representative Joyce Mason, 61st District, discusses House Bill 1290, which expands the state definition of honorable discharge to include veterans who were discharged due to sexuality or gender identity. Under the now defunct federal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans were prohibited from serving in the armed forces. The new legislation opens the door for impacted veterans to upgrade their service records to an honorable status under state law. Joined by legislators, advocates, Adjutant General of Illinois Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, and Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) Acting Director Terry Prince, Governor Pritzker signed seven pieces of legislation today, Aug. 15, that aim to improve the lives of Illinois’ service members and veterans and honor their service to their state and nation. The legislation included a bill that honors Illinois National Guard members killed while performing their duties under the authority of the Governor through the presentation of a State of Illinois Flag to their next-of-kin.
Date Taken: | 08.15.2021 |
Date Posted: | 08.16.2021 00:30 |
Photo ID: | 6784079 |
VIRIN: | 210815-A-OH563-967 |
Resolution: | 4538x3437 |
Size: | 2.1 MB |
Location: | SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS, US |
Web Views: | 6 |
Downloads: | 5 |
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