The Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act prohibit employers in Illinois against discriminating on the basis of gender. As such, employers can not use make any determinations based on gender in any areas such as wage amounts, hiring, and promotion criteria. They also must ensure that working environments are not hostile or biased towards a certain gender, and that it is not of an overtly sexual atmosphere.

What Must be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

The Equal Pay Act allows discrimination to be shown if it can be shown that both men and women work for the same employer doing the same tasks, and yet are paid differently. A discrimination claim may also succeed when employers in Hinsdale hire only one particular gender, issues promotions based on gender, or retaliates against persons who seek relief for employer misconduct.

When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?

Sexual harassment encompasses all unwanted sexual behavior, whether verbal or physical, directed at the victim. A Hinsdale employer might be held liable for the unwelcome conduct, even if it was an employee's co-worker who engaged in the sexual harassment.

Illinois employers who allow conduct to produce an overly sexual work atmosphere may also be held liable for sexual harassment. Gender discrimination is usually difficult to prove without a lawyer because the specifics of proving intent can be complicated. There are also detailed procedures that must be followed when pursuing a claim.