Robinson Urges Governor to Sign Anti-Discrimination Measure

CHICAGO – State Rep. Lamont J. Robinson is urging Gov. J.B. Pritzker to sign legislation to extend the Illinois Human Rights Act to further protect employees from discrimination in the workplace.

“While we have made much progress in the fight for equality, members of the LGBTQ community, especially transgender individuals and people of color, continue to experience workplace discrimination,” Robinson said. “We must continue the work we’ve started to address discrimination on all levels, and this legislation will help ensure that no employee is treated unjustly because of their gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or any other reason.”

The Robinson-backed House Bill 252 helps protect employees by extending the Illinois Human Rights Act prohibition on workplace discrimination. Currently, the act does not prohibit discrimination against sexual orientation, gender, race, religion and marital status for private employers with less than 15 employees. This legislation expands protections against these forms of discrimination by extending prohibitions to include employers with at least one employee. The measure passed both the House and Senate and will now head to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

“Every member of our community has a right to fair treatment at work, and furthering the Illinois Human Rights Act to protect all employees in all workplaces is a needed step on the road to equality for all,” Robinson said. “I urge Governor Pritzker to sign this legislation and further ensure protections for employees who need it the most.”