CHICAGO - With Illinois' Human Rights Act including "sexual orientation" as a protected classification, there's some clarifications law enforcement is being updated on, particularly about transgender individuals.
The Chicago Police Department produced the following information video in 2008 with specific instructions on how to arrest women dressed like men and vice-versa; females changing their identification to be male and vice-versa, and other potentially confusing situations.
The official YouTube instructions can be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58JMQmS-vno&feature=related
The Illinois Human Rights Act defines "sexual orientation" to mean:
(O‑1) Sexual orientation. "Sexual orientation" means actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or gender‑related identity, whether or not traditionally associated with the person's designated sex at birth. "Sexual orientation" does not include a physical or sexual attraction to a minor by an adult.
"Be sensitive to transgender dress," officers are told. Also when patting down transsexuals, the officers should ask "pre- or post-surgery" to avoid inappropriate arrests.
"Treat them as a family member, or as someone you know. Respect their choices," police are told.
