Chicago Human Rights Lawyers
The sheer diversity of Chicago’s large population makes it an interesting city from a human rights standpoint. On one hand, diversity in any large city tends to encourage individuals and businesses to recognize the value of individual backgrounds and opinions in everyday life. Unfortunately, many people still discriminate against those different from themselves—some do it intentionally, while others truly do not recognize their prejudicial acts.
Human rights in Chicago are protected by the Illinois Human Rights Act, but it also follows the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance adopted in 1993. This ordinance, enforced by the Cook County Commission on Human Rights, protects individuals from discrimination and sexual harassment in employment, public accommodations, housing, credit transactions, and county services and contracting.
Further protections for Chicago human rights are provided by the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR), which enforces the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance and the Chicago Fair Housing Ordinance. This commission’s mission also includes education and other programs designed to discourage bigotry.
The CCHR protects the following 14 classes:
- Race
- Sex
- Color
- Age
- Religion
- Disability (mental or physical)
- National origin
- Ancestry
- Sexual orientation
- Marital status
- Parental status
- Military discharge status
- Source of income
- Gender identity
This list is virtually identical to the list of classes protected at the state and county level.
Applying separate human rights laws at the state, county, and Chicago levels is a complicated undertaking that requires the specialized knowledge of Chicago human rights lawyers. If you believe you have been subject to discrimination in Chicago, you need a Chicago human rights lawyer who knows the laws at each level of government and knows how to apply them to your case.
Exceptional attorneys. Specialized care. Uncommon results.
Every Chicago human rights attorney at Seidman Law Offices is a skilled litigator prepared to defend your human rights, from finding a place to live to being able to navigate any public building in the city of Chicago and throughout Illinois. Located close to the Sears Tower, we offer free initial consultations and regularly meet clients on nights or weekends by appointment. We operate on a contingency fee basis.
Contact Seidman Law Offices to speak to one of our Chicago human rights attorneys.
