Chicago, IL – In a 2025 interview, Darren Bailey reminded voters that his anti-LGBTQ+ beliefs haven’t changed. When asked directly if he would restrict same-sex marriage in Illinois, his answer was “I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman.” In that same interview, Bailey declared he supports public schools teaching that same belief. Not only does he hold extreme beliefs, but he also wants them in every public school curriculum.
In response, JB for Governor campaign spokesperson Alex Gough released the following statement:
“Across the country, we are seeing a dangerous rollback of protections and rights for LGBTQ+ communities, and that extreme, MAGA agenda is exactly what Darren Bailey wants to bring to Illinois. While Governor Pritzker is defending the progress and protections established in our state, Darren Bailey wants to take us backwards, including on marriage equality. His hateful beliefs and rhetoric have no place in Illinois.”
Donald Trump and his MAGA allies are launching an assault on LGBTQ+ rights across the country, including in Indiana, which is attempting to erase Pride Month and replace it with “Nuclear Family Month.” Would Darren Bailey do the same in Illinois?
Over the past seven years, Gov. Pritzker has continued to deliver for LGBTQ+ communities in Illinois by:
- Launching Illinois Pride Connect, a first-of-its-kind state resource providing free legal advice and advocacy tools to protect the LGBTQ+ community
- Expanding infertility treatment coverage for same-sex couples
- Enacting nation-leading legislation to ensure the history and contributions of LGBTQ+ people are included in school instruction
- Making Illinois a shield state for gender-affirming care
- Repealing outdated HIV criminalization statutes
- Removing barriers to access for HIV/AIDS care and prevention
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