An Illinois Republican lawmaker, state Sen. Andrew Chesney, recently criticized a proposed bill by citing the debunked myth that students are dressing up as animals and using litterboxes in schools. The bill, Illinois H.B. 1596, aims to update language in state family law to be more inclusive and better serve LGBTQ+ youth. However, Chesney’s argument against the bill centers on the potential confusion it might cause for children.
Debunked Myth Used as Argument Against Bill
In a floor debate last week, Chesney argued that the bill would lead to further confusion for children, stating, “Folks, if you want to know why kids are confused and why people do crazy stuff, this is exactly why.” Chesney’s claim about students identifying as cats and demanding litterboxes is a reference to a debunked right-wing lie. The myth has been disproven multiple times by various school districts, yet it persists among some conservative figures.
Inclusive Language at the Heart of H.B. 1596
Illinois H.B. 1596 proposes updates to family law language, such as using “the minor” or “they” instead of “he or she,” and “parents” instead of “mother” and “father.” The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois has praised the bill, citing it as a step towards meeting “the needs of the growing number of LGBTQ+ youth under [the Department of Children and Family Services’s] care.”
Furry Litterbox Myth Continues to Spread
Despite being debunked, the furry litterbox myth has been used by other conservative politicians, such as Nebraska Sen. Bruce Bostelman and Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert. While some school districts have had to address the misinformation, the myth remains prevalent in certain circles.