Subject Index Civil Rights

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Citizen Participation Act to strengthen protections against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) and to reinforce citizens’ rights to engage in government processes. The amendment extends the Act’s protections to the freedom of the press, affirming that reporting, opining, and investigating matters of public concern constitute participation in and communication with government.

The Illinois General Assembly enacted the Worker Freedom of Speech Act. This Act furthers the public policy interest that employees should not be subject to retaliation from their employers for choosing not to participate in employer-sponsored meetings.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act. The amendment provides that employers cannot require work authorization verification requirements that exceed those required by federal law.

The Illinois General Assembly enacted the Language Equity and Access Act. The Act’s purpose is to ensure that all Illinois residents have equal access to state services by removing language as a barrier to receiving those services.

The Illinois General Assembly amended the Equitable Restrooms Act. Any multiple-occupancy restroom (i.e., restrooms intended for simultaneous use by two or more individuals) may be identified as all-gender multiple occupancy restrooms and designated for use by persons of any gender.

The Racial Disproportionality in Child Welfare Task Force Act is enacted to examine the racial disparities of children and families in the child welfare system and to identify practices that could reduce such racial disproportionality.

On Sept. 27, 2021, the Second District of the Illinois Appellate Court found that a trial court failed to conduct a proper Batson hearing.

On Aug. 13, 2021, the Second District of the Illinois Appellate Court held that denying a transgender woman access to the women’s bathroom was discrimination under the Illinois Human Rights Act.

The Empowering Public Participation Act prohibits a form of intimidation sometimes used by law enforcement to deter participation in public hearings.

The Department of Insurance adopted amendments to the Part titled Unfair Discrimination Based on Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Marital Status, which is aimed at eliminating medical insurance discrimination.

It is a civil rights violation for an employer to refuse to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees. This is true no matter whether the employee is part-time, full-time, or probationary.

The Illinois Human Rights Act has been amended to protect pregnant employees (775 ILCS 5/2-102).

The Illinois General Assembly has amended Section 5 of the Illinois Civil Rights Act of 2003 to prohibit gender discrimination. 740 ILCS 23/5.