Illinois Senate Advances Measure to Remove “Men” from State Statutes

For Immediate Release:
Monday April 23, 2018
Contact: Toby Trimmer, Communications Director
(217) 622-7547 | toby@ildcca.org

ILLINOIS SENATE ADVANCES MEASURE TO REMOVE “MEN” FROM STATE STATUTES

Democratic County Chairs’ idea for gender-neutral language passed by Sen. Melinda Bush

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – Political parties aren’t exclusive to men. That’s why the Illinois Senate today unanimously approved legislation to ensure that state statutes referencing political party offices must be gender neutral.

Working with the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association, Lake County Senator Melinda Bush advanced SB2854 to change Illinois statutes replacing political party “committeemen” or “committeewomen” with the term “committeeperson(s).” “Chairman” is also changed to “Chair” under the measure.

“Words do have meaning,” Bush said. “Women and men make up our political parties and our leaders. Our laws should provide no preference, even in language, to one or the other. It’s simple, but I think it’s a meaningful gesture.”

Bush also highlighted that her legislation isn’t remotely partisan, “Republican women have co-sponsored this legislation because these outdated references aren’t liberal or conservative.”

In 2017, IDCCA President Doug House established an internal Sexual Harassment Task Force to identify issues large and small that impacted Democratic party organizations. First, at the recommendation of the group, House changed the name and the branding of the association to the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association. Following that, the Task Force created both a recommended sexual harassment policy and pledge for Democratic candidates. Senate Bill 2854 remains another part of an effort to create structures of equality.

“More women serve in party leadership positions than ever before,” said House. “It’s time to recognize that simple flaws in language can diminish their roles and, even subconsciously, limit the respect they’ve earned. For the IDCCA, we’re fortunate to have an advocate like Melinda Bush who doesn’t approach issues of equality lightly.”

SB2854 now moves to the Illinois House for consideration.

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About the IDCCA…

The Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association (IDCCA) is a statewide, grassroots Democratic Party organization comprised of the elected Democratic County Chairs in all 102 counties in Illinois. The mission of the IDCCA is to help elect Democrats in every county and region of Illinois while continuing to grow the Democratic Party throughout the state. Rock Island County Chair Doug House is the President of the IDCCA.

Learn more at www.ildcca.org , www.facebook.com/ILDCCA and www.twitter.com/ILDCCA

By Dan Kovats|2019-06-28T14:36:12-05:00April 23rd, 2018|Press Releases|

About the Author: Dan Kovats

Dan Kovats has worked on campaigns for 10 years, starting on local races & working his way up. In 2014 he served as the Downstate Field Director & Deputy Political Director for US Senator Dick Durbin’s campaign. He has served as Campaign Manager & Advisor for several candidates including Springfield Alderwoman Kristin DiCenso, District 186 School Board Vice President Scott McFarland, and Rianne Hawkins for City Clerk. In 2012, he was elected Vice Chair of the Sangamon County Democratic Party to oversee all campaign & Get Out The Vote operations within the county. He is currently the Executive Director of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association (IDCCA). The IDCCA’s mission is to be a Democratic partnership resource for all 102 Democratic County Party Chairs’, to support the political agenda of the Democratic Party, to grow the Party, and to elect Democrats at every level including county, statewide, & national. Dan lives with his wife Jennifer & two children in Chatham, IL.