The Illinois Senate this week approved a bill that could make LGBT history a required subject at public schools, with the notion being passed by a vote of 34-18, according to The Associated Press.
Illinois State Senator Heather Steans, who sponsored the bill, said: “By teaching students an inclusive curriculum, Illinois classrooms will promote acceptance and a more accurate portrayal of history."
She continued: “LGBT students also will learn about people who had some similar qualities to them and became historical role models.”
However, the bill received some push-back from religious organisations.
"The left's motive is what it always is: It is to normalise homosexuality," said Laurie Higgins from Christian group the Illinois Family Institute.
LGBTIQ+ organisations welcomed the news, with Brian Johnson, the CEO of local group Equality Illinois, saying that implementing diversity in history classes would help students understand important historical figures.
“People learn about Jane Addams, (who pioneered social work in the United States), for example, but don’t know she’s a lesbian,” he said.
He continued: “We don’t think there is true justice for the LGBT community unless we can learn about our history.”
Johnson added that students would be "better off" when taught the "full breadth" of history.
"It makes them more likely to understand that a diverse cast has contributed to our society," he said.
The bill must now pass the state House of Representatives before it can be implemented state-wide.
