Illinois Protects Reservists from Discrimination

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has signed a law amending the Illinois Human Rights Act to include members of any reserve component of the armed forces within the definition of “military status.” The law, Public Act 093-0941, extends protection from discrimination in employment, real estate transactions, access to financial credit, and the availability of public accommodations to members of the Illinois National Guard and U.S. Reserves. Active duty service members were already protected by the Illinois Human Rights Act, 775 ILCS 5/1-103.

The “Citizen Soldier Initiative,” the first of its kind in the nation, was signed Saturday as part of a ceremony welcoming home 180 Illinois soldiers who had served more than 14 months overseas providing force protection and installation security in Iraq. This law is effective immediately. Military members can call 1-800-662-3942 and report violations to the Illinois Department of Human Rights.