Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A leading lawmaker in the LGBTQ space says Illinois is a leader in the field.

“Ten years ago,” said State Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago), “Illinois passed the first ban on conversion therapy that had teeth; that gave survivors recourse. We know what’s coming.” Cassidy said a recent court decision “did not yet completely overturn Colorado’s conversion therapy ban, but we are anticipating that any minute now. And we are already preparing to make sure that we have a response to that.”

Equality Illinois hosted an LGBTQ advocacy day at the Capitol this week. The organization’s director of leadership development and capacity building, Norma Seledon, said, “Here’s the truth: LGBTQ+ people are a growing and vibrant part of this country. Nearly one in ten Americans now identify as LGBTQ+, and when we look at those who hold power, the story changes dramatically.”

Seledon said 0.25% — one quarter of one percent — of elected Americans identify as LGBTQ+.