Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-010
Declaration of City policy (Chicago Human Rights Ordinance (HRO))
Operative Text
It is the policy of the City of Chicago to assure that all persons within its jurisdiction shall have equal access to public services and shall be protected in the enjoyment of civil rights, and to promote mutual understanding and respect among all who live and work within this city. The City Council of the City of Chicago hereby declares and affirms: That prejudice, intolerance, bigotry, antisemitism and the discrimination occasioned thereby, and sexual harassment, threaten the rights and proper privileges of the City’s inhabitants and menace the institutions and foundation of a free and democratic society; and That behavior which denies equal treatment to any individual because of that individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military status, source of income, credit history (within the meaning of Section 6-10-053 ), criminal history (within the meaning of Section 6-10-054 ), or because of actual or perceived association with such an individual, undermines civil order and deprives persons of the benefits of a free and open society. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as supporting or advocating any particular lifestyle or religious view. To the contrary, it is the intention of this chapter that all persons be treated fairly and equally and it is the express intent of this chapter to guarantee to all of our residents fair and equal treatment under law. (Prior code § 199-1; Added Coun. J. 12-21-88, p. 23526; Amend Coun. J. 11-6-02, p. 96031, § 3; Amend Coun. J. 3-14-12, p. 22749, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-5-14, p. 95804, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 2-10-16, p. 18514, § 8; Amend Coun. J. 4-18-18, p. 76346, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 1-27-21, p. 26741, Art. II, § 8; Amend Coun. J. 4-27-22, p. 46382, § 11; Amend Coun. J. 11-7-22, p. 54984, § 8; Amend Coun. J. 4-19-23, p. 62651, § 10; Amend Coun. J. 4-16-25, p. 26724, § 2; Amend Coun. J. 1-21-26, p. 40087, § 1)
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-010 establishes the City of Chicago's foundational policy commitment to equal access to public services and the protection of civil rights for all persons within its jurisdiction. The provision identifies a broad list of protected characteristics—including race, sex, gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, source of income, credit history, and criminal history, among others—and declares that discrimination based on these characteristics undermines civil order. The section also clarifies that the chapter is not intended to endorse any particular lifestyle or religious view, but rather to guarantee fair and equal treatment under law for all residents.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-010 sets the overarching policy framework that governs the anti-discrimination obligations detailed throughout Chapter 6-10, which apply directly to housing providers operating in Chicago. Compliant property owners and managers generally ensure that their rental practices, tenant screening criteria, and day-to-day operations do not treat applicants or residents differently based on any of the protected characteristics enumerated in this section, including source of income, credit history, and criminal history. Familiarity with this declaration helps landlords understand the intent behind the more specific requirements found elsewhere in Chapter 6-10.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-010 articulates the City's commitment to protecting residents from discrimination across a wide range of characteristics, including race, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, source of income, credit history, and criminal history. This foundational policy statement underpins the enforceable rights and remedies found in the rest of Chapter 6-10, which tenants may be able to invoke if they believe they have experienced discriminatory treatment in housing. Tenants who believe their rights under this chapter have been violated may consider filing a complaint with the Chicago Department of Housing or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information about available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 12, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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