Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-080
Exemptions for certain religious organizations (Chicago Human Rights Ordinance (HRO))
Operative Text
Nothing in this title shall apply to decisions of a religious society, association, organization, or institution affecting the definition, promulgating or advancement of the mission, practices, or beliefs of the society, association, organization, or institution. (Prior code § 199-8; Added Coun. J. 12-21-88, p. 23526; Amend Coun. J. 4-27-22, p. 46382, § 11; Amend Coun. J. 1-18-23, p. 59661, § 3)
Under Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-080, the fair housing and anti-discrimination rules contained in Chapter 6-10 do not apply to decisions made by religious societies, associations, organizations, or institutions when those decisions relate to defining, promoting, or advancing the group's mission, practices, or beliefs. This exemption is narrow in scope, covering only actions tied to the religious entity's core religious purpose. Rules that fall outside that religious-mission connection remain subject to the broader requirements of the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Religious organizations that own or manage housing in Chicago and believe their decisions fall within the mission-based exemption recognized by Chicago, Ill., Mun. Code ch. 6-10 § 6-10-080 generally document how those decisions connect to the organization's stated religious mission, practices, or beliefs. Operators should be aware that the exemption does not extend to housing decisions that lack a clear tie to religious purpose, meaning standard fair-housing obligations under Chapter 6-10 continue to apply in those situations. Consulting legal counsel familiar with Chicago municipal law can help an organization assess whether a particular policy or practice qualifies under this provision.
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 § 6-10-080 creates a limited carve-out from Chapter 6-10's protections for certain decisions by religious entities that are directly tied to their religious mission, practices, or beliefs. Tenants who believe a housing decision affecting them goes beyond that narrow religious-mission scope may have grounds to assert that the full protections of Chapter 6-10 still apply. Tenant-rights organizations in Chicago and the Chicago Department of Housing can be resources for understanding whether a specific situation falls inside or outside this exemption.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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