Andrade-Backed Measure to Expand Anti-Discrimination Protections in Workplaces Passes House

CHICAGO – Aiming to reduce and eliminate workplace discrimination, state Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, recently supported and helped pass a plan to expand state anti-discrimination protections to businesses of all sizes, not just those that employ 15 or more people.

“Regardless of the size of a business, owners should not engage in discriminatory behavior toward their employees,” Andrade said. “This was an overdue, common sense measure that will help to provide greater opportunity for residents across the state.”

Andrade sponsored and voted in favor of House Bill 4572, which expands the Illinois Human Rights Act’s prohibitions against workplace discrimination to private businesses that employ one or more employees. Under current federal law, such discrimination prohibitions typically are only required for businesses that have at least 15 employees. The Andrade-backed bill prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, age, sex, marital status, military status and other forms of discrimination.

“If you want to do business in this state and take advantage of the resources our state and its people offer, you need to be fair in your workplace standards,” Andrade said. “This measure sends a clear message that Illinois is open and respects people of all backgrounds.”