Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that affects employees in various industries and workplaces. While many people are aware of the laws protecting employees from sexual harassment by their employers or co-workers, there may be some confusion about whether these protections extend to harassment from customers, clients, or other non-employees. By understanding their legal rights, employees can make sure sexual harassment by non-employees will be addressed correctly.
Employee Protections Against Sexual Harassment
The primary law that provides protection against workplace discrimination and harassment in Illinois is the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA). The IHRA prohibits employers from subjecting employees to a hostile work environment due to unwanted sexual advances or conduct. These protections extend not only to direct actions taken by an employer and other employees, they also encompass acts committed by non-employees. While under federal law, Title VII does not explicitly mention sexual harassment by non-employees, courts have interpreted its provisions broadly enough to also cover such instances.
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