Under the Illinois Human Rights Act, protection is included for individuals over which age?

Under the Illinois Human Rights Act, individuals are protected from discrimination based on various categories, including age. The Act specifically outlines that individuals 40 years of age and older are protected. This provision recognizes that age discrimination can significantly impact the opportunities and treatment of individuals in housing, employment, and other areas of public accommodation. The legislation seeks to promote equal rights and prevent bias against older individuals, who might face unfair treatment based purely on their age. This age threshold is an important aspect of the Act, ensuring that older individuals have legal recourse if they experience discrimination.