The Illinois Human Rights Commission has handed down a preliminary ruling finding Springfield city officials discriminated against a transgender employee in denying coverage for her gender-affirming medical treatment.
The Illinois Times reports the ruling comes in a case brought by Katherine Holt, who worked at Lincoln Library in 2018. She was denied coverage for hormone therapies prescribed as part of her transition, even though the drugs are covered for other purposes.
The city has since changed its policies to allow such coverage, but not before Holt left her job with the city. Unless the city negotiates a settlement with Holt, her complaint could move to a full hearing before the commission in the months to come.
