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Announcement :: Civil & Human Rights |
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House Bill to Allow Discrimination Based on Felony Conviction |
Current rating: 0 |
by IMCista
(No verified email address) |
31 Jan 2005
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There is a bill before the Illinois House that amends the Landlord Tenant Act to allow landlords to discriminate against those with felony convictions. |
In Urbana, our Human Rights Ordinance prohibits discrimination based on prior felony conviction. This bill would *pre-empt* our Urbana law, making it legal for Urbana landowners to discriminate.
People with felony convictions have paid their debt to society and should have all the rights and responsibilities of all citizens - including the right to vote, hold office, and live free of discrimination.
Interestingly enough, the New-Gazette made a similar argument in its editorial last Fall in support of Duane Northrup, the Republican candidate for County coroner (who won), who is also a convicted felon. The Gazette editors argue that everyone deserves a second chance.
Please contact your State Representative Naomi Jakobsson to oppose this bill:
Rep. Naomi Jakobsson
206 N. Randolph Street Suite 120
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 373-5000 - home office number
(217) 558-1009 - capitol office number
n.jakobsson (at) worldnet.att.net
Also contact the sponsor of the bill, Chapin Rose. He is not your representative, although he represents part of Champaign County:
Chapin Rose
1113 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 348-7673 Phone
(217) 348-7677 Fax
SYNOPSIS OF HB 367
Permits a landlord to perform a criminal background check on any person seeking to lease property from the landlord or sublease property from a tenant of the landlord. Provides that the landlord may refuse to lease the property or may refuse to allow the sublease if the criminal background check of the person contains any felony convictions or indicates that the person is a registered sex offender. Preempts home rule. |
This work is in the public domain |
