FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 17th, 2024

 

The Protecting Families and Caregivers Ordinance introduced by

49th Ward Alderwoman Maria Hadden

CHICAGO - Family members and caregivers who experience discrimination because of their relationship with an LGBTQ+ person, a person with a disability, or a member of another protected class would explicitly be included in Chicago’s non-discrimination law because of an ordinance introduced by 49th Ward Alderwoman Maria Hadden.

The Protecting Families and Caregivers Ordinance would amend the Chicago Human Rights Ordinance to explicitly protect individuals who experience discrimination because of their association with a member of a protected class, such as a caregiver or the parent or sibling of an LGBTQ+ child or a person with a disability. Existing protected categories in Chicago include race, color, sex, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military status, source of income, credit history, and criminal record or criminal history.

"Passing the Protecting Families and Caregivers Ordinance will send a clear message that Chicago stands firmly against discrimination in all its forms. It is our responsibility to create a safe and inclusive environment for every individual and their loved ones, and this ordinance is a vital step in that direction,” said Alderwoman Maria Hadden.

“At this time when discrimination and harassment against LGBTQ+ families has intensified across the country, public officials in Illinois must do everything they can to protect, affirm, and welcome LGBTQ+ people and our families,” said Mike Ziri, Director of Public Policy at Equality Illinois, the state’s LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. “With this ordinance, Chicago will ensure it continues to be welcoming and affirming for diverse communities. We appreciate Alderwoman Hadden for championing the Protecting Families and Caregivers Ordinance.”

"Access Living supports this important amendment to the City’s human rights ordinance," said Carol Lipari, Director of Equity and Strategy at Access Living, a service and advocacy organization run by and for disabled people in Chicago. " By prohibiting discrimination not only against people with disabilities but also those associated with them, meaning a parent, sibling, or partner, and expanding these protections to all protected classes—race, gender, national origin, and more—the City is ensuring a more inclusive, equitable environment for all."

The Ordinance codifies an existing practice of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, which already rules on cases of discrimination against individuals associated with a member of a protected class.

Among other jurisdictions, Cook County already ensures similar protections in the Cook County Human Rights Ordinance and the State of Illinois currently protects individuals associated with a person with a disability through the Illinois Human Rights Act.

The Protecting Families and Caregivers Ordinance is O2024-0012999.

# # #