On Thursday, February 10, 2011, Illinois Fathers will hold a Press Conference and Rally in support of the “Parental Visitation Interference Bill” hereafter to be known as “The Steven Watkins Bill”. Steven was murdered for attempting to visit his daughter. The mother has since left the state and Penny and Dale Watkins haven’t seen their granddaughter since the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Steven’s story was profiled on Dateline NBC on October 8, 2010. It was followed up by the State Journal-Register’s Bruce Rushton when Jennifer Watkins, Steven’s ex-wife, fled out of the state and now the Watkins can’t exercise their court ordered visitation with their grandchild.

This bill is sponsored by State Representatives Constance Howard and LaShawn K. Ford along with Senators Mattie Hunter and Michael Frerichs.

Illinois Fathers has been contacted by House Speaker Michael J. Madigan’s and Senate President John Cullerton’s office concerning the Steven Watkins bill and expect full support for the passage of this necessary bill.

The press conference begins at 9:30 a.m. sharp with the rally to follow immediately after beginning with speaker Jill Egizii, President of PAAO (Parental Alienation Awareness).