The citizens of Illinois have a compelling interest in the expectation that their loved ones will be treated with the same dignity and respect in death as they are entitled to be treated in life. The laws of the State should provide adequate protection in upholding the sanctity of the handling and disposition of human remains and the preservation of final resting places, but without unduly restricting family, ethnic, cultural, and religious traditions. The purpose of this Act is to ensure that the deceased be accorded equal treatment and respect for human dignity without reference to ethnic origins, cultural backgrounds, or religious affiliations.
225 ILCS 411/5-5