Illinois governor signs gay rights law; state joins 13 others and District of Columbia

We are thankful for this, in times of little oppenness! It's good to see some sunshine here and there. Freedom is gained and taken away in the same fashion: little by little... that's why we have to keep vigilant!
Illinois governor signs gay rights law; state joins 13 others and District of Columbia

Illinois on Friday became the 14th state with a law barring discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed a bill that adds "sexual orientation" to an existing law that protects people from bias based on race, religion and other traits. It bans discrimination in areas including jobs, housing and credit.

"What we're doing today is older than Scripture: Love thy neighbor," Blagojevich said to a cheering group of about 150 gay rights supporters and community leaders.

Opponents had argued the law would be the first step toward the legalization of gay marriage and would infringe on the rights of churches and civic groups to oppose homosexuality on moral grounds.

Proponents argued that such laws, which also are in effect in the District of Columbia, are needed because discrimination against gays is just as wrong as discriminating against people because of race or religion.