SPRINGFIELD - Was Abraham Lincoln gay or straight? How about Woodrow Wilson or Robert Taft? What type of sex did they prefer - or what were their identified sexual orientations?
The sexual orientation of various historical figures will be mandated to be included in public school's history textbooks for Illinois students if either of two measures in the Illinois General Assembly become law. The contributions of lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual persons will be the emphasis of the new curriculum requirements for elementary and high school levels.
In addition, exactly how those topics and personalities are portrayed in American history will be outlined int the state proposal, an how they are included in a school's curriculum will be the responsibility of regional superintendents.