In a significant legal challenge, two religious organizations are contesting an Illinois law that they argue infringes upon their ability to operate in accordance with their religious beliefs. The Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford and the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois filed a complaint on March 20, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against James Bennett, Director of the Illinois Department of Human Rights, and Kwame Raoul, Illinois Attorney General.
The plaintiffs claim that recent amendments to the Illinois Human Rights Act compel them to act contrary to their deeply held religious convictions regarding reproductive issues such as abortion, sterilization, and contraception. The Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford (PCC) and the Diocese assert that these amendments violate their rights to free speech, free exercise of religion, expressive association, religious autonomy, and equal protection under the First and Fourteenth Amendments. They argue that the Act's provisions prohibit them from disciplining or refusing to hire employees based on reproductive decisions that conflict with their religious teachings. According to PCC’s bylaws and employee handbook, employees must adhere to pro-life beliefs and maintain a lifestyle consistent with Christian values. Similarly, the Diocese requires its employees to conduct themselves in ways that align with Catholic principles.
The lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief from what the plaintiffs view as unconstitutional enforcement of state law against them. They argue that enforcing these provisions against religious organizations enters a "religious thicket" by compelling them to accommodate actions they consider sinful. Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton's public statements about championing reproductive rights further underscore what plaintiffs perceive as governmental hostility towards their religious stance.
The plaintiffs are requesting the court declare these provisions unconstitutional as applied to them and seek injunctive relief preventing enforcement against their organizations. They also seek costs and attorneys' fees associated with bringing this action under 42 U.S.C. § 1988(b).
Representing PCC is Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Bryan Neihart; Thomas Olp represents the Diocese of Springfield. The case is presided over by Judge Sara L. Ellis under Case No.: 1:25-cv-02983.