Gillespie denounces Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS –State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade – depriving millions of women of their right to choose:

“Today, the Supreme Court made the appalling decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, putting women’s reproductive rights at risk for many people across the country. I am heartbroken thinking of the countless women across the country who now have their right to choose stripped away from them—leaving them with impossible options and devastating consequences to their mental and physical health. I am proud that in Illinois, the right to choose is protected—but am committed to continue to advocate for reproductive rights until all women are able to utilize it.”

New Gillespie law strengthens consent laws in Illinois

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To remove barriers to justice for survivors of sexual assault, a new law strengthening the legal definition of consent, sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie, was signed on Thursday.

“Survivors deserve a justice system that supports them during one of the most difficult times of their lives,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “This measure removes a loophole that should never have existed and allows survivors to seek justice.”

House Bill 5441 clarifies the existing definition of “unable to give knowing consent” by adding that the survivor remains unable to consent if they voluntarily consumed an intoxicating substance. Under current interpretation, the offender must have provided the intoxicating substance to the survivor to be held responsible for a sexual assault.

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Gillespie supports statewide drug take-back program

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To prevent unused prescription drugs from falling into the wrong hands or polluting the environment, State Senator Ann Gillespie supported legislation that was signed into law on Friday that establishes a statewide drug take-back program.

“Proper disposal of prescription medication will curb the opioid epidemic and protect our environment,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “The safety of our children depends on the accessibility of secure take-back sites in every community.”

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Gillespie backs gun violence prevention law

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – To address gun violence as a public health crisis and increase coordination amongst state agencies, State Senator Ann Gillespie supported a gun violence prevention measure that was signed into law on Friday.

“Addressing gun violence as a public health crisis will allow state agencies, social service providers and partners in law enforcement to better coordinate to stop the violence,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights).

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