DuPage County lawmakers vote to remove Henry Hyde’s name from courthouse​on February 12, 2025 at 7:43 am

WHEATON, Ill. (WLS) — DuPage County lawmakers voted Tuesday to remove Henry Hyde’s name from the county courthouse.

The controversy has to do with abortion.

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Henry Hyde was a Republican with a long career in Illinois politics. He represented Illinois in Congress for more than 30 years.

He worked across the aisle for issues like gun control and the family medical leave act.

However he opposed abortion. He helped write the Hyde Amendment which prevents federal funds from being used for abortions.

When Hyde passed, the DuPage County Courthouse and other government buildings were renamed after him.

Some people believe his views on access to abortion don’t reflect modern day. Others criticize the proposal, and argue it takes away from the congressman’s impact on DuPage County.

During public comment at Tuesday’s meeting, Congressman Hyde’s son Anthony spoke on his father’s legacy.

“My father didn’t so anything to deserve being canceled and that’s what this resolution aims to do,” he said. “It’s an attempt to erase and rewrite history. As elected officials, you have to be better than that.”

However, the DuPage County Board Chair has expressed concerns over the Hyde Amendment and message it sends.

“What that says if you are not a woman who has a fulltime job with insurance or had the ability to pay for it privately, you do not deserve the same healthcare as others.”

The resolution to remove Hyde’s name passed by a 10-5 vote.