ILLINOIS NONDISCRIMINATION BILL SIGNED INTO LAW
When Governor Blagojevich signed SB3186 into law on January 21, 2005, Illinois became the fourteenth state to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and the sixth state to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. This milestone legislation, which specifically bars discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations and credit transactions, was the culmination of many years of work to gain support for equitable rights for LGBT individuals in Illinois.
Common Questions About
Illinois Anti-Discrimination Bill SB3186
What is SB3186?
Senate Bill 3186 protects all Illinois residents against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It assures fair and equal treatment for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transsexuals in housing, credit, employment and public accommodations.
What Do We Mean by Sexual Orientation?
Sexual orientation is an individual’s sexual interest in the opposite sex (heterosexuality), both sexes (bisexuality), same sex (homosexuality) or gender identity. Orientation is not determined by any particular behavior or sexual act.
Does This Legislation Confer “Special Rights” or “Special Privileges” on Homosexuals?
No. Gay and lesbian people seek equitable treatment based on the same rights and opportunities afforded all Illinois citizens. “Open housing” or “equal employment” are not “special privileges” for gays and lesbians just as civil rights protections for other minorities are not viewed as such. Lesbians and gays simply want a fair opportunity to live, work and be productive members of their communities.
What SB3186 DOES:
SB3186 PROHIBITS the firing of workers solely on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
SB3186 PROHIBITS an employer from refusing to hire or promote a qualified candidate solely on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
SB3186 RECOGNIZES that all citizens of Illinois share the same fundamental rights.
SB3186 PROTECTS all citizens of Illinois whatever their sexual orientation.
What SB3186 DOES NOT do:
SB3186 DOES NOT promote, endorse or condone any lifestyle. The bill DOES NOT give special privileges or special rights to any individual, group, or community.
SB3186 DOES NOT supersede a religious institution's First Amendment right to hire and fire according to the tenets of its religion.
SB3186 DOES NOT permit same-sex marriages.
SB3186 DOES NOT force an employer to provide insurance benefits to partners of gay employees.
What Other States Include Sexual Orientation in Their Anti-Discrimination Code?
As of July 2008, the following states ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity: California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. The following states ban discrimination on sexual orientation only: Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. Also, more than 200 cities, counties and other municipalities nationwide include sexual orientation in local ordinances.
