Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)
This law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, or sex. It also protects individuals from retaliation if they file a complaint, participate in an employment discrimination case, or oppose discriminatory practices. Additionally, employers must make reasonable accommodations for employees’ sincerely held religious beliefs unless doing so would cause undue hardship for the business.
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
An amendment to Title VII, this law makes it unlawful to discriminate against a woman due to pregnancy, childbirth, or any related medical condition. It also protects individuals from retaliation if they file a complaint, participate in an investigation, or oppose pregnancy-related discrimination.
The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA)
This law requires that men and women receive equal pay for equal work in the same workplace. Employers cannot pay different wages based on gender. It also protects individuals from retaliation for reporting pay discrimination, filing a complaint, or participating in an employment discrimination case.
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA)
This law protects employees aged 40 and older from age-based discrimination. It also prohibits retaliation against individuals who report discrimination, file a charge, or participate in an investigation or lawsuit related to age discrimination.
Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
This law bans discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in the private sector and in state and local government jobs. It also protects individuals from retaliation for reporting discrimination, filing a complaint, or participating in an employment discrimination case. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with known physical or mental disabilities unless doing so would create an undue hardship for the business.
Sections 102 and 103 of the Civil Rights Act of 1991
This law strengthens Title VII and the ADA by allowing jury trials in intentional discrimination cases. It also permits awards for compensatory and punitive damages in cases where discrimination is proven.
Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
This law prohibits disability discrimination in federal employment. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship. The law also protects individuals from retaliation for reporting discrimination, filing a complaint, or participating in an investigation or lawsuit.
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA)
Effective November 21, 2009, this law prohibits discrimination based on genetic information in employment. Genetic information includes details about an individual’s genetic tests, the genetic tests of their family members, and family medical history related to diseases, disorders, or conditions. The law also protects individuals from retaliation if they file a complaint, report discrimination, or participate in a legal case involving genetic information discrimination.
Mary Watson
