Lake County Gazette

Illinois State Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington) said he is "a staunch advocate for protecting parents" in Illinois and will review the language of the Parents Matter Coalition advisory referendum.

"I am a staunch advocate for protecting parents' rights in this state, which are unfortunately under constant attack by overreaching bureaucrats," McLaughlin told Lake County Gazette. "I have not seen a draft of the referendum itself.  I will review it when the language is finalized, and I will analyze the details and determine whether to support it at that time."

Parents Matter Coalition is an advocacy organization that aims to "help parents and the community reclaim and restore the rights for parents and guardians to parent their minor children, free from government overreach," according to their website. 

The proposed ballot language reads, “Shall the written consent from a minor’s parent or guardian be required before any entity, person, clinic or school can provide a minor (under the age of 18 years) any non-emergency medical procedure, medication, pharmaceutical, or any gender modification procedure, gender identification, gender-affirming counseling or gender therapy?”

McLaughlin was elected to Illinois' 52nd House district in 2021, replacing former state representative David McSweeny. McLaughlin is running for reelection, and will face opponent Maria Petersen on the ballot in November. 

McLaughlin earned his bachelor's degree from Illinois Wesleyan University. Before politics, McLaughlin worked in economics and owned an investment advisory firm.