The following is a summary of some important new and recent
state and local laws impacting Illinois employers. Employers should
take note of these developments to ensure that their policies and
procedures are in compliance.
STATE LAWS
Illinois "Religious Garb" Law
Effective August 11, 2017, the Illinois Human Rights Act
("IHRA") was amended to clarify protections for sincerely
held religious beliefs.
The amendment provides that an employer cannot impose any
requirement that would cause an employee to "violate or forgo
a sincerely held practice of his or her religion including, but not
limited to, the wearing of any attire, clothing, or facial hair in
accordance with the requirements of his or her religion." The
law specifically provides that an employer is not prohibited from
enacting a dress code or grooming policy that may include
restrictions on attire, clothing, or facial hair to maintain
workplace safety or food sanitation. Employers still may
