CHICAGO — State Senator Robert Peters’ law banning employers from requiring workers to attend meetings regarding political or religious matters was signed into law on Wednesday.

“Forcing employees to attend meetings about the employer's political or religious views goes too far,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “There needs to be a balanced and impartial relationship between employers and employees.”

Peters’ law prohibits Illinois employers from requiring employees to attend employer-sponsored meetings where the primary purpose is to communicate the employer’s opinions on religious or political matters. Further, the legislation safeguards employees from adverse actions for refusing such employer-sponsored meetings.

The law does not explicitly exclude 501(c) organizations so as to not interfere with the work of advocacy groups or organizations seeking to communicate policy initiatives. The law also outlines exemptions for required diversity, equity and inclusion training and higher education employers speaking to employees about coursework and research.

“I want to thank the Illinois AFL-CIO labor organization for bringing these issues to my attention,” said Peters. “By banning such meetings, we safeguard employees from being forced to adhere to anti-union messaging and shield them from employers directly attempting to influence their beliefs.”

Senate Bill 3649 goes into effect Jan. 1.