Introducing Legislation to Define Transgenderism as a Mental Illness
I am introducing legislation to stop radical gender ideology from shaping Illinois law by defining transgenderism as a mental illness.
My bill, Senate Bill 3842, amends the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code to reject political activism masquerading as medicine and to ensure state policy is grounded in facts, not pressure campaigns from a completely disconnected Left.
Let’s be clear, there are only two genders. Radical leftist activists are confusing children and pushing irreversible, life-altering decisions on kids who are far too young to understand the consequences. This legislation draws a hard line and makes it clear that Illinois will not abandon reality to appease the woke mob.
What began as a call for tolerance has morphed into a government-enforced ideology that silences dissent and demands obedience. Illinois families should not be forced to endure real and permanent harm before Democrats admit this experiment has gone too far.
We need to rid ourselves of this poison. Before far-left Illinois Democrats mutilate one more person, they should take a hard look in the mirror, acknowledge basic biological reality, and admit they are advancing a repulsive trend that has caused real harm to vulnerable individuals.
Senate Bill 3842 is currently awaiting further action in the Senate Assignments Committee.
Encouraging the Next Generation to Stand for American Values
I want to thank Erika Kirk and U.S. Education Secretary Lina McMahon for taking the time to visit Genoa-Kingston High School and meet with some of the bright and thoughtful young minds of the 45th Senate District. Opportunities like this do not come around often, and it matters when leaders are willing to show up in our communities and engage directly with students.
Having respected role models come into our schools to talk about the foundational ideals that make our nation strong, including American exceptionalism, free markets, and individual liberty, is incredibly important. These conversations encourage students to think critically, ask questions, and better understand the principles that shape our country.
I also want to recognize the students who attended the Turning Point USA event. The radical progressive leftists who protested outside the school and attempted to intimidate students for exercising their right to speak freely were wrong. Standing up to that kind of pressure takes courage and character. You are strong, talented, and principled young men and women, and your willingness to stand firm gives me confidence in the future of our state and our nation.
Strengthening Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence
Protecting victims of domestic violence must be a priority, and right now Illinois law is not doing enough to keep people safe. As domestic violence-related deaths continue to climb across our state, it is clear that the system is failing too many families who are relying on the law for protection.
Data from the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence shows a 140 percent increase in domestic violence-related deaths between 2022 and 2024. In far too many cases, abusers are able to violate orders of protection again and again with minimal consequences, putting victims back in harm’s way and forcing them to live in constant fear.
The legislation I am co-sponsoring is designed to close those gaps. These proposals would strengthen pretrial standards in serious domestic violence cases, create stronger consequences for repeat violations of protective orders, and ensure courts take an offender’s full history into account when sentencing. They also establish minimum holding periods for repeat offenders to give victims time to find safety and support.
An order of protection should provide real security, not false reassurance. This legislation is about empowering victims and giving courts the tools they need to stop repeat abuse before it escalates into tragedy.
