Illinois has become the latest state to implement new protections for the LGBTQ+ community in response to ongoing discrimination in the United States. The state’s governor, J.B. Pritzker, signed the Illinois Human Rights Act Amendments into law on August 20, 2021, which expands protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
The new law amends the Illinois Human Rights Act to include protections for individuals based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. It also expands the definition of “public accommodations” to include any place that provides goods or services to the public, such as stores, banks, and healthcare facilities.
The law also prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in employment, including hiring, promotion, and termination. Employers are now required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees based on their gender identity or expression, such as allowing them to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity.
In addition, the law prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in housing, including rental and sales transactions. Landlords and property owners are now prohibited from refusing to rent or sell housing to someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Illinois is not the only state to implement new protections for the LGBTQ+ community. In recent years, several states have passed laws aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination. However, discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community remains a significant problem in many parts of the country.
According to a report by the National Center for Transgender Equality, nearly one in three transgender individuals experienced discrimination when trying to access healthcare in 2020. The report also found that transgender individuals were more likely to experience poverty and unemployment than the general population.
Discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals is not only harmful to those who experience it but also has a negative impact on society as a whole. It can lead to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among LGBTQ+ individuals. It can also create a climate of fear and hostility that makes it difficult for LGBTQ+ individuals to fully participate in society.
The new protections in Illinois are an important step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals are fully protected from discrimination in all areas of life. It is up to all of us to continue to advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and to work towards a future where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
