CHICAGO – Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, who ran for office stating he had no social agenda, today announced that he would sign HB40 – a bill that provides taxpayer funding of abortion and ensures that abortion remains legal in Illinois despite what the Supreme Court of the United States may decide regarding Roe v. Wade.
Rauner released the following statement:
“I understand abortion is a very emotional issue with passionate opinions on both sides. I sincerely respect those who believe abortion is morally wrong. They are good people motivated by principle.
“But, as I have always said, I believe a woman should have the right to make that choice herself and I do not believe that choice should be determined by income. I do not think it’s fair to deny poor women the choice that wealthy women have.
“That is why I am signing HB40.
“This is not a new position – I campaigned on this principle in 2014 and it is a principle I have tried to live up to throughout my life.
“I have spent the past couple of months talking to people on both sides of this issue. I have also spent a lot of time meeting with women across Illinois and listening to their personal stories, particularly low-income women who do not have the same luxuries that many of us have. Their stories and their struggles are real and they have touched me in a very personal way. They deserve to have a choice as much as anyone else.
“I know there will be many people who disagree and I respect their opinions. I respect their passion. It is my hope that good people can disagree respectfully and can come together on other important issues that affect our state.”
Video of the event will be posted here.
NO.MORAL.COMPASS.
Thank you Republicans.
They have been coming together. The GOP is codifying the Democratic agenda.
Rauner, go back to Wisconsin.
This why I am a independent conservative. I voted for Rauner least time but I will not make that mistake again. I will do a write in for the conservative. I voted for Senate candidate for the Constitution Party. I will do same if gov. Rauner is voted in as gop nominee. He Senator Kirked himself. I no longer support him.
This is terrible news. It’s doubly bad because having the state pay for garbage like this isn’t even fiscally conservative.
When will we get equal rights for the unborn?
Diane and Bruce Rauner again show their contempt for real Republicans in this state.
Any “Republican” who takes Rauner’s money or continues to back Rauner is as GUILTY as he is. And they will NOT get my vote or support, same as their precious Pro-Sanctuary State Pro-Abortion RINO Billionaire Bruce Rauner will NOT get my vote or support…
The Illinois Republican platform be dammed…
What’s the point…
see VI. A. of the Illinois Republican platform
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/Illinois%20Republican%20Party%20Platform.pdf
What happened to “big boy pants” Rick Newton? Where has he been?
The IL Republican Party is owned by a liberal. Sad. Conservatives should pull their support of the IL GOP and support the Constitution party and/or the Libertarian party. That’s the only way the IL GOP establishment will listen to them.
Rauner is confused “equal access” to an immoral choice is no principle. Taxing those who are pro life to pay for those who are pro death in wholly unprincipled.
Gerald, you might have good advice, if Rauner wins his primary. I hope that he’ll lose his primary to a conservative.