Just before I posted this announcement, the Chicago Tribune published an article for which I gave an interview and was briefly quoted. While the headline leaves something to be desired, I think it’s otherwise fair, and I even learned some interesting political history about Illinois, where I lived for most of my twenties and early thirties — ten really great years. Find that link below.
Here are the facts of the case, copied from FIRE’s press release:
CHICAGO, Jan. 27, 2026 — Like most Americans, you’ve probably criticized the Democrats or the Republicans at some point. But imagine that the next day, state officials told you to go down to party headquarters and request a permission slip to continue speaking out.
What seems like an absurd hypothetical is the reality in Illinois, where nonprofits are barred from operating in the state if they mention either “democrats” or “republicans” in their title unless they go to the parties for permission. Now, with the help of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, one group of dissident Democrats is suing to strike down Illinois’ unconstitutional law — permanently.
“Illinois can’t get around the First Amendment by outsourcing censorship to party bosses,” said FIRE attorney Daniel Zahn. “No American — Republican, Democrat, or independent — should have to bend the knee before a political party to participate in the political system.”
Democrats for an Informed Approach to Gender is a charitable organization composed of current and former Democrats who disagree with the party’s stance on transgender issues. The all-volunteer organization believes it offers a unique perspective by voicing their belief that the current Democratic Party consensus is contrary to “core liberal values,” such as “promoting evidence-based medical care,” “protecting vulnerable children and adults,” and “upholding the rights of women and girls.”
“The Illinois Democratic Party doesn’t get to decide whether we can call ourselves ‘Democrats,’” said DIAG Board Secretary Jenny Poyer Ackerman. “DIAG was founded on our belief in open inquiry, challenging ideological conformity, and above all, the freedom to speak out. Backing down would go against everything we believe in.”
DIAGdemocrats@DIAGdemocrats
So this happened today: On January 27, 2026, FIRE sued on DIAG’s behalf, seeking to block the Illinois Secretary of State from enforcing the Party Name Provision against DIAG or any other nonprofit.
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LAWSUIT: Illinois law blocks Democratic dissenters from operating without party elites’ permission
7:47 PM · Jan 27, 2026 · 1.13K Views
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