Constitution of the State of Illinois
1970
Illinois adopted its fourth and current constitution on December 15, 1970, replacing a document that dated to 1870 and had grown unworkable through decades of legislative patch-ups. A constitutional convention convened in 1969 produced a modernized frame of government that streamlined the executive branch, reformed the judiciary, and added an unusually robust individual rights article. The 1970 constitution is notable for its explicit right to a healthful environment, one of the first such provisions in any state charter, and for its guarantee of equal protection on the basis of sex. It came into force on July 1, 1971, and has been amended regularly but remains the governing document of the state.
Preamble
We, the People of the State of Illinois — grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He has permitted us to enjoy and seeking His blessing upon our endeavors — in order to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the people; maintain a representative and orderly government; eliminate poverty and inequality; assure legal, social and economic justice; provide opportunity for the fullest development of the individual; insure domestic tranquility; provide for the common defense; and secure the blessings of freedom and liberty to ourselves and our posterity — do ordain and establish this Constitution for the State of Illinois.
Article I — Bill of Rights
Section 1. Inherent and Inalienable Rights — All men are by nature free and independent and have certain inherent and inalienable rights among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. To secure these rights and the protection of property, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Section 2. Due Process and Equal Protection — No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law nor be denied the equal protection of the laws. Section 17. Prohibition Against Discrimination — All persons shall have the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, national ancestry and sex in the hiring and promotion practices of any employer or in the sale or rental of property. Section 20. Individual Dignity — To promote individual dignity, communications that portray criminality, depravity or lack of virtue in, or that incite violence, hatred, abuse or hostility toward, a person or group of persons by reason of or by reference to religious, racial, ethnic, national or regional affiliation are condemned.