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 “I am proud that Illinois is taking the initiative in helping
veterans who often times face greater barriers when finding
employment,” Governor Rauner said. “All of us have a responsibility
to ensure that job opportunities are available to those who serve
our country.”
The law, sponsored by Rep. Robert W. Pritchard (R-Hinckley), aims to
reduce the unemployment rate for the more than 800,000 veterans in
Illinois. By amending the Illinois Human Rights Act, it allows an
employer to voluntarily establish a preference for hiring veterans
as long as there is a publicly posted policy that is applied
uniformly for all employment decisions regarding the hiring,
promotion or retention of employees.
“Those that put their lives on the line and serve their country
shouldn’t be forgotten when they take off their uniform and seek a
job in the private sector,” Rep. Pritchard said. “While many private
companies may want to hire veterans for their leadership, job skills
and experience, they were cautious of violating laws against
discrimination.”
The act applies to veterans of the five service branches, their
reserve components, and the Illinois National Guard. Illinois law
currently includes a veterans’ preference policy for public sector
employment and protections against discrimination based on military
status.
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“I’m proud of our department’s role in passing this important legislation that
provides greater opportunities for our veterans, and strengthens the Illinois
Human Rights Act for all Illinoisans,” Illinois Department of Human Rights
Director Rocco Claps said.
For more information on anti-discrimination laws and the Illinois Department of
Human Rights, please visit
http://www2.illinois.gov/dhr/ Pages/default.aspx
The Illinois Human Rights Act protects individuals from discrimination based on
race, color, religion, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), national
origin, ancestry, age (40 and over), marital status, disability, military
status, familial status, sexual orientation (including gender identity) or
unfavorable military discharge.
[Illinois Department of Human Rights]
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