DuPage County Board Votes to Remove Henry Hyde's Name from Courthouse

The decision reflects shifting political dynamics and criticism of Hyde's legacy tied to the anti-abortion Hyde Amendment.

The DuPage County Board voted 10-5 along party lines to rename the Henry J. Hyde Judicial Office Facility, opting for a neutral name, the DuPage County Judicial Office Facility.
The move follows criticism of Hyde's role as the chief sponsor of the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion, disproportionately affecting low-income women.
Supporters of Hyde, including his son Anthony Hyde, argued that the late congressman was a statesman with a nuanced legislative record, advocating for family leave, adoption programs, and global health initiatives.
This decision highlights the county's political shift from a Republican stronghold to a Democratic majority over the past decade.
Some board members emphasized the importance of neutrality in public buildings, while others viewed the removal as a response to evolving societal values on reproductive rights.