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Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA)

We’re now turning from federal laws to state law, and to one very important Illinois law in particular. 

The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) prohibits discrimination in Illinois with respect to employment, financial credit, public accommodations, housing and sexual harassment, as well as sexual harassment in education.

The Act prohibits discrimination in employment as well as harassment across a very broad range of protected categories. Generally speaking, the standards set forth by the State of Illinois are more stringent than the federal standards regarding sexual harassment. 

Harassment claims brought under the IHRA are investigated by the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR). 

What IHRA Covers

The IHRA prohibits discrimination in employment based on:

  • race or color

  • religion

  • national origin or ancestry

  • physical disability

  • mental disability or medical condition

  • marital status

  • sex or sexual orientation

  • age (over 40 years old)

  • pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions

  • having an order of protection in place

  • arrest record

  • having an unfavorable military discharge (other than dishonorable)

The IHRA also prohibits retaliation against anyone who opposes behavior forbidden by the Act or who files a complaint, testifies, or participates in proceedings under the IHRA.