A group of state lawmakers and anti-abortion organizations have joined a lawsuit against a new Illinois law that allows state money to pay for some abortions.
The suit, filed in Sangamon County Circuit Court by the Thomas More Society, argues the law is illegal because the legislature did not properly approve money for this purpose.
According to a news release from the Thomas More Society, Special Counsel Peter Breen drafted the lawsuit. “The people of Illinois totally reject taxpayer-funded abortions,” Breen said.
“Under HB40, Illinoisans will be forced to pay for 20,000 to 30,000 abortions per year with their tax dollars. Even apart from the sincere moral objections that many folks have to paying for abortions, there is no money in this year’s Illinois state budget to pay for them," according to Breen, who also represents Illinois' 48th House District.
Gov. Bruce Rauner signed the measure in September. Speaking in DeKalb today, Rauner said he just heard about the lawsuit.
"There’s strong views of both sides of that issue," Rauner told reporters. "I respect that. I respect both sides. I really personally don’t have a social issue agenda.”
The law is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1. A petition in the case has been scheduled for hearing on Dec. 7.
The Illinois legislators bringing the lawsuit include:
? Rep. Barbara Wheeler, District 64
? Rep. Mark Batinick, District 97
? Rep. Steve Reick, District 63
? Rep. Keith Wheeler, District 50
? Sen. Dale Fowler, District 59
? Sen. Kyle McCarter, District 54
? Sen. Dan McConchie, District 26
? Sen. Paul Schimpf, District 58
The pro-life groups listed on the complaint include:
? Pro-Life Action League, Inc.
? Springfield Right to Life
? Clinton County Citizens For Life
? Henry County Right to Life, Inc.
? Knox County Right to Life, NFP
? Lake County Right to Life Committee, Inc.
? Morgan County Right to Life, Inc., NFP
? Pro-Life Action League, Inc.
? Illinois Right to Life Action
? Illinois Federation for Right to Life
The above listed legislators and groups are joined in this action by:
? Diocese of Springfield In Illinois