What age group is protected under the Illinois Human Rights Act for age discrimination?

The Illinois Human Rights Act protects individuals from age discrimination starting at the age of 40. This specific age was established to ensure that older individuals do not face unfair treatment in employment or housing based on their age. The law recognizes that age discrimination can adversely affect those who are nearing retirement or who may face biases in the workforce simply because of their age.

While the other age options reflect ages that are often discussed in the context of aging and retirement, they do not align with the legal definition provided by the Illinois Human Rights Act. The focus on age 40 is significant as it is considered a milestone where individuals may start to experience increasing difficulties in the job market due to stereotypes about older workers. Therefore, understanding that protection begins at 40 is crucial for recognizing how discrimination is legally addressed in the state of Illinois.