Illinois business owners face numerous legal hurdles, including issues related to incorporation, taxes, health insurance and concealed carry permits. However, that does not include one of the most onerous legal hurdles of all–litigation.
Business owners can be sued for a variety of reasons. Employment discrimination is one of the most common examples. If you are a business with at least 15 employees in Illinois, a public contractor or a state agency, then you could become the subject of an employment discrimination lawsuit. Specifically, the law prohibits employers from discriminating against any individual because of:
- Race or color;
- Religion;
- Sex or sexual orientation;
- National origin, ancestry, citizenship status or language;
- Age (40 and older);
- Order of protection status;
- Marital status or pregnancy;
- Physical or mental disability;
- Military status or unfavorable discharge;
- Arrest record;
- Real estate transactions;
- Access to financial credit; and
- Availability of public accommodations.
Prohibited employer actions include discrimination in hiring, promotion, pay and discharge.
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