Governor J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 4867 (HB 4867), which amended the Illinois Human Rights Act to “prohibit discrimination based on reproductive health decisions,” according to a media release from his office.
Advocates for life don’t view the legislation in the same way. “Forcing people or organizations to violate their religious beliefs is unconstitutional and has no place in our society,” said Greg Baylor, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) Senior Counsel.
“We are disappointed to see this dangerous legislation signed into law, as it plainly violates the First Amendment freedoms of pro-life employers in Illinois,” said Baylor.
The bill’s definition of reproductive health decisions includes “healthcare related to the continuation or termination of pregnancy…” By including “termination of pregnancy” in the definition, employers such as churches, crisis pregnancy care centers, and religious schools will be required to hire staff who do not support their pro-life views.
“Many organizations, including religious and mission-driven entities, maintain their unique character through their personnel choices,” said Baylor. “These employers advance their missions and communicate their messages by hiring and retaining people who wholeheartedly support and share the organization’s mission and message.” The ADF’s senior counsel said, “HB 4867 destroys that essential freedom.”
State Attorney General Kwame Raoul lauded the bill’s signing and said he stands ready to defend against any legal challenges to it. “My office is proud to continue to partner with Gov. Pritzker’s administration to draft legislation and identify new avenues to ensure Illinois is a safe-haven for patients to access comprehensive abortion and gender-affirming care. I am committed to using the authority of my office to continue to defend against legal challenges to our laws that preserve Illinois as an oasis of reproductive health care.”
Reproductive health decisions cited in HB 4867 also include “birth control, fertility or sterilization care, miscarriage management care, assisted reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization, and prenatal, intranatal, and postnatal care.”
The bill, which was signed on August 7, goes into effect on January 1, 2025. It was filed and sponsored by Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin). It’s chief sponsor in the Senate was Senate President Dan Harmon (D-Oak Park).
ADF is a ministry partner of the Illinois Baptist State Association.