Civil Rights and Judiciary Issues
Every individual should have the right to live free from discrimination and pursue their dreams regardless of race, sexual orientation, or gender identity. As the son of a Civil Rights lawyer who wrote much of the enforcement language of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, this issue is a top priority for me.
In recent years, I’m proud that Congress has passed a number of historic pieces of legislation that are helping to build a more equal nation, including the Respect for Marriage Act, which was recently signed into law by President Biden. This legislation enshrines protections for same-sex and interracial marriage into federal law, repeals the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, and ensures every state respects the marriages performed in other states regardless of the couple’s genders or races.
However, there’s still work to be done. I’m proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Equality Act, which would update the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to give the LGBTQ+ community equal protections under the law. We must also bring the Equal Rights Amendment over the finish line to ensure men and women are equal in the eyes of the law.
I’ll continue fighting in Congress to honor the sacrifices of those who contributed to our progress, stand up against hate, and achieve equality and justice for all.
More on Civil Rights and Judiciary Issues
NBC 5 Chicago
The Supreme Court on Friday overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark ruling that established the constitutional right to abortion in the U.S. in 1973.
The decision comes more than a month after the leak of a draft opinion by Justice Samuel Alito indicating the court was prepared to take this momentous step.
The court's ruling means that individual states will now have the power to set their own abortion laws without concern of running afoul of Roe.
Jeff Vorva, Naperville Sun
It's impossible to determine who was the happiest person at Saturday's Juneteenth celebration in Naperville.
But a good guess would be Ginger Grant-Del Valle, a Naperville resident by way of New Orleans and Chicago.
Toward the middle of the three-hour event, held at Rotary Hill Park and put on by the Naperville Neighbors United group, about 20 people decided to move closer to the stage and dance to the music by performers of the Mays Music Centre of Excellence.
Washington, D.C. – Tonight, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which would establish June 19 (Juneteenth) as a federal holiday:
"I can't think of a more important moment in American history to celebrate than the end of slavery. Illinois has led the way by making Juneteenth an official state holiday. Tonight, I was proud to vote to make Juneteenth a federal holiday as well.
Washington, D.C. – Tonight, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after President Biden addressed a Joint Session of Congress:
"Tonight, President Biden laid out a bold plan to overcome this pandemic and build back an economy that is stronger and more equitable for all Americans.
Washington, D.C. – Tonight, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all charges in the death of George Floyd:
"I applaud the jury for serving justice and providing accountability for the murder of George Floyd. This is an essential first step in the right direction, but we must remember that one verdict does not erase the generations of pain and trauma caused by a system of policing that's been broken by centuries of systemic racism and that enables and perpetuates the terrorization of people of color.
Alex Ortiz, Joliet Herald-News
Democratic members of Congress representing the Will County area backed a sweeping bill meant to enhance voting rights.
The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives last week approved H.R. 1, the For the People Act, which proponents argued would address corruption and practices that hinder the right to vote.
Washington, D.C.- Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement on last night's passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act:
"I was proud to vote for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. It is past time for us to take these first steps to achieve structural change in our criminal justice system and combat police brutality.
Washington, D.C. – Tonight, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the For the People Act:
Alex Ortiz, The Herald-News
Democratic members of Congress representing the Will County area backed a bill aiming to provide protections for LGBTQ individuals.
The House of Representatives passed the Equality Act, which would explicitly ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, education and other aspects of daily life.
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) and Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) re-introduced the Immigrant Detainee Legal Rights Act. The legislation would require immigration detention centers to inform immigrant detainees of their legal rights within five days of their arrival at the facilities. It would also require the Attorney General to develop and implement legal orientation programs in every detention center that houses immigrants.