Illinois Court Rules Gay Harassment Suit Barred by WC Exclusive Remedy and Human Rights Act

An Illinois appellate court has ruled that a gay man's suit against his employer for harassment over his sexual orientation is barred by the exclusive remedy provisions of the Workers Compensation Act and the provisions of the Human Rights Act.

Frederick Schroeder had filed suit against RGIS, Inc. alleging that a supervisor used derogatory terms about the man's sexual orientation in front of other workers. The suit also alleged that the company had him working extreme hours that left him emotionally and physically exhausted.

The court ruled that the worker could not sue for negligence because the Workers Comp Act and the Human Rights Act covered the situation.