You can file a complaint and pursue a discrimination claim at the Commission on Human Relations if you believe you have been personally harmed. The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5)1.("Act") prohibits discrimination with respect to employment, financial credit, public accommodations. Sexual orientation discrimination occurs when an employee is treated differently or harassed because of the employees real or perceived sexual orientation. "discrimination against a person because of his or her actual or. Discrimination is the unjust or different treatment of a person on the basis of a protected characteristic under the law. What is employment discrimination? Discrimination: Treating an individual less favorably because of their actual or perceived membership in one or more of the Protected Categories. Harassment based on a protected category, as outlined above, is a form of discrimination. Prohibited Discrimination.