SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – When George Ryan started his political career three decades ago, courting gay voters would have been considered a disastrous political move, particularly for a conservative Republican. Evidence of how much Illinois' political scene has evolved can be found in Ryan's 1998 campaign for governor, a campaign in which he won over gay and lesbian voters and pledged his support for outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Political analysts and observers say this change parallels the gay and lesbian community's growth as an economic and political force in Illinois.

"Politicians understand only two things: votes and money," said Rick Garcia, director of the Chicago-based Equality Illinois, the largest gay and civil-rights group in the Midwest. "Now, when they look at the gay community, they see a group of folks that might put them over the top in a tight race."

But the political growth of the gay community is about to run headlong into the Illinois Senate, where Wood Dale Republican James "Pate" Philip is in charge.

When the lawmakers return to the Capitol Wednesday to continue their spring session, the Senate's agenda will include a proposal outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation, often referred to as the "gay rights" proposal. Philip opposes the equal-rights measure, calling it special legislation.

Last month, the Illinois House voted 60-55 in favor of adding sexual orientation to the Illinois Human Rights Act, which outlaws discrimination. The proposal has lingered in the General Assembly in one form or another since the 1970s, when it received fewer than 20 votes.

Lt. Gov. Corinne Wood, Attorney General Jim Ryan, Secretary of State Jesse White, Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka, and Comptroller Dan Hynes all joined George Ryan in signing a letter supporting the proposal.

Philip is not swayed. He said the Illinois House also is trying to outlaw discrimination against motorcyclists. "Everybody has got some kind of cause," Philip said. "You just kind of start the ball rolling. I am not sure that is a good idea."

Conservative groups say they are counting on Philip to put an end to the proposal. In a news release sent to the media and all lawmakers, the Carpentersville-based Family Taxpayers Network said granting such protection infringes on others' rights.

Joe Wiegand, executive director of the Family Taxpayers Network, said politicians, especially Republicans, are making a mistake in backing the proposal. Those who signed the letter of support "disqualified themselves from the support of conservative and Christian families," he said.

To many, the battle over this legislation represents the Illinois Republican Party's inner turmoil. Is the party about promoting a conservative agenda, or is it about less government?

The Family Taxpayers Network, whose slogan is "championing moral and economic values for business and family," argues that the party is losing its moral standing by even considering proposals for equal rights legislation.

However, political observers note that Republicans need to reach out to more voters if they are to continue to have success in Illinois. House Republican Leader Lee Daniels of Elmhurst recently acknowledged his party must do a better job of welcoming those who support equal rights, although he continues to oppose them.

This comes as Democrats continue to gain footholds in the typically Republican suburbs. The growing gay and lesbian community in Chicago is seen as an opportunity for Republicans to pick up key votes, said Bill Atwood, a former Republican campaign manager and political analyst.

In Chicago, the gay community has been a leader in gentrifying the city's older neighborhoods, an effort that has given gays political clout and reason to use it.

"When you invest that kind of money in condos and lofts, the issue of property values knows no political lines. They want a stable neighborhood, police protection, their snow removed," said Paul Green, director of the School of Policy Studies at Roosevelt University. "If that sounds suburban, so be it."

Garcia said gay voters tend to care about the issues Republicans identify with, such as maintaining property values and safe neighborhoods. "The only reason they cross over and vote Democrat is Republicans have been anti-gay. We won't vote against ourselves," he said.

During the 1998 race for governor, Ryan appealed to gay and lesbian voters turned off by Democrat Glenn Poshard's socially conservative views. Ryan won the 1998 election with 51 percent of the vote compared to Poshard's 47.5 percent. Garcia said 7 percent of those going to the polls identified themselves as gay or lesbian.

Still, Garcia acknowledges defeat of the equal-rights proposal in the Illinois Senate is likely. He said he is thrilled just to get a committee hearing in Philip's Senate.

"The Senate president isn't the Senate president because he is a stupid man. He is a political man. He doesn't support it, but I also think he can't be oblivious to the political writing on the wall," Garcia said. "I don't expect him to grab a rainbow flag and come to the gay pride parade. But I think he recognizes there are members who could benefit from this vote.

"This is going to pass, it is just a matter of when."

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