OpenCampaign

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Sex and gender policies in schools and sports

2026 ballot-measure activity nationally includes proposals on marriage definitions, restroom and locker-room access by sex, and requiring sports teams to be separated by biological sex. Pew finds LGBT-related policy among issues voters compare the parties on. Illinois education and athletics policy sits within this broader contested landscape even when measures arise in other states.

How should Illinois set sex and gender rules for school facilities and sports?

How important is this to you?

Sources

Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/2026_ballot_measures
Prohibit schools and athletic associations from allowing a student, athlete, employee, or other individual from using a restroom, locker room, shower room, or other private space that is not designated for their sex
Ballotpedia — https://ballotpedia.org/2026_ballot_measures
Require all K-12 and collegiate school sports teams to be separated based on biological sex, unless the team is co-ed
Pew Research Center — https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2026/07/23/as-the-2026-midterms-approach-economy-is-front-and-center
Policies related to LGBT people | 37 | 34 | 27 | D+3
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Affirm gender identity for facilities and sports participation with strong anti-discrimination rules
  2. Allow identity-based access with limited case-by-case safeguards for privacy and fairness
  3. Leave standards largely to local districts and associations without a sweeping state mandate
  4. Require biological-sex separation for most contact sports while allowing flexible facility policies
  5. Mandate biological sex for restrooms, locker rooms, and sports statewide with few exceptions