Malta — Ch. 30 Human Relations § 30-2
Sexual harassment
Operative Text
(a) Generally. The village shall uphold all laws related to sexual harassment. (b) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Sexual harassment means any unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or any conduct of a sexual nature when: (1) Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment; (2) Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or (3) Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment. State Law reference-- Similar provisions, 775 ILCS 5/2-101(E). (c) Gender; status. Sexual harassment may involve individuals of the same or different gender. Sexual harassment is most frequently associated with those situations in which a power differential exists between persons involved; however, it also may occur between individuals of the same status. (d) Enumeration of prohibited conduct. Examples of conduct which may, if continued or repeated, constitute sexual harassment are as follows: (1) Unnecessary touching, patting, hugging, or brushing against a person's body; (2) Staring, ogling, leering, whistling; (3) Sexually explicit statements, comments, questions, jokes, or anecdotes; (4) Graphic comments about a person's clothing or body; (5) Sexually suggestive objects or pictures in the work place; (6) Harassing use of the electronic mail or telephone communication system; (7) Other physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature. Such conduct, whether intended or not, constitutes sexual harassment and is illegal under both state and federal law. Violations of this policy will not be permitted. (e) Procedure for the resolution of complaints. (1) The village encourages anyone who feels that he or she has been a victim of sexual harassment to report such incidents to the village president or village board member. Complainants are urged to report sexual harassment incidents as soon as possible, since a delay in reporting may make it difficult to gather appropriate information and documentation. It is not necessary for sexual harassment to be directed at the person making the complaint. The following steps may also be taken: document or record each incident (what was said or done, the date, the time and the place). Documentation can be strengthened by written records such as letters, notes, memos and telephone messages. (2) Complaints will be kept in confidence to the extent practicable and appropriate under the circumstances. (3) The village president, with the approval of the board, shall appoint a committee of at least three people, one of which shall be the attorney for the village. The role of the committee will be to hear and consider testimony and other relevant reliable evidence, to make findings of fact, to determine whether the village's policy on sexual harassment has been violated, and if so, to recommend appropriate relief and disciplinary action. A copy of the written decision shall be promptly furnished to the employee making the complaint. (4) The employee will be able to have a representative present at any discussion between the employee and the village board or committee. (f) Written complaints; alternate avenues. The employee making the complaint may elect to file a written complaint with the state department of human rights or the state human rights commission. The alternative complaint avenues are available if the employee would prefer to use them instead of the internal procedures. (1) State department of human rights: 312-814-6245. (2) State human rights commission: 217-785-4350. (g) Protection from retaliation. The employee is protected by the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/6-101, 1994 State Bar Edition) from retaliation because he or she has opposed that which he or she reasonably and in good faith believes to be unlawful sexual harassment in employment or because he or she has made a charge, filed a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated in an investigation under such act.
Malta Ch. 30 § 30-2 establishes the village's policy against sexual harassment in the workplace, defining it as unwelcome sexual conduct that affects employment conditions, influences employment decisions, or creates a hostile work environment. The provision enumerates specific behaviors—ranging from unwanted physical contact to harassing electronic communications—that can constitute sexual harassment whether or not they were intended. Both state law (775 ILCS 5/2-101(E)) and federal law independently prohibit such conduct, and the village's policy aligns with those broader legal frameworks.
Plain English — not legal advice.
While § 30-2 is directed at village employment rather than private rental housing, property owners and managers who employ staff should be aware that this provision reflects the same legal standards that apply across Illinois workplaces under 775 ILCS 5/2-101(E). Compliant operators typically maintain a clear written anti-harassment policy, provide staff with reporting channels, and ensure that complaints are handled confidentially and without retaliation. Operators generally document complaint procedures and make employees aware of both internal resolution processes and external avenues such as the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Although Malta Ch. 30 § 30-2 primarily governs village employment practices, tenants who experience sexual harassment in a housing context may find that the same definitional standards—unwelcome sexual conduct tied to housing conditions or decisions—are reflected in state and federal fair housing law. Individuals who believe they have experienced such conduct can document incidents with dates, times, locations, and any written communications, as the provision itself recommends for workplace complaints. External avenues such as the Illinois Department of Human Rights or a tenant-rights organization can provide guidance on whether a complaint under state or federal law may be appropriate.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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