{"id":373065,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:11","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-civil-rights-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-04-06T08:42:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T13:42:40","slug":"illinois-civil-rights-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/illinois-law\/illinois-civil-rights-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Illinois Civil Rights Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
\n \n Illinois Civil Rights Laws\n <\/h1>\n \n Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

\n

Illinois<\/span> civil rights<\/span> laws<\/span> are legal protections that prohibit discrimination based on characteristics like race, sex, age, and disability in employment, housing, and public accommodations<\/span>. These state laws often provide broader protections than federal law<\/span> by covering more characteristics, smaller employers, and additional situations. Individuals can enforce their rights by filing complaints with the Illinois<\/span> Department of Human Rights<\/span> or through lawsuits.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Illinois<\/span>‘ civil rights<\/span> protections are designed to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for everyone. This is regardless of gender<\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u200b or any other protected characteristic. These laws work alongside federal protections. Together, they help ensure that Illinoisans can participate in society without fear of discrimination. Understanding your rights can help you recognize violations and what to do about them.<\/p>\n

This article breaks down key civil rights<\/span> laws<\/span> in Illinois<\/span>. We’ll also explore how state protections supplement federal civil rights<\/span> laws<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u200b to curb discrimination.<\/p>\n

If you think you may have experienced a civil rights<\/span> violation<\/span> in the state of <\/span>Illinois<\/span>, contact an attorney to review your case. You’ll likely have multiple options for pursuing remedies. An Illinois<\/span> civil rights<\/span> lawyer<\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u200b can help you understand them. That way, you can determine the best way to proceed.<\/p>\n

In the meantime, let’s start with the basics.<\/p>\n

What Are Civil Rights<\/span> Protections?<\/h2>\n

Civil rights<\/span> protections<\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u200b are the laws that protect against discrimination. Discrimination means unfair treatment of someone based on one or more protected characteristics. These are categories or personal traits that cannot be used to treat someone unfairly.<\/p>\n

Civil rights<\/span> protections in Illinois<\/span> apply to several areas of life. These include:<\/p>\n