Types of Discrimination

This section discusses the types of discrimination prohibited by federal law, state law or both. The subject matter is organized alphabetically by protected class. Unless otherwise indicated, federal and state law provide the same protection for each protected class. For more information on protected classes, see Protected Classes.​​​​​​​

  • Age

    AgeBoth federal and state laws prohibit discrimination based on age.  More »

  • AIDS or HIV-Positive Status

    AIDS or HIV-Positive StatusCalifornia law prohibits employers from requiring HIV testing as a condition of employment and from rejecting, terminating from employment or denying insurance coverage to individuals exposed to the AIDS virus.  More »

  • Marital Status

    Marital StatusState law prohibits discrimination on the basis of marital status.  More »

  • Registered Domestic Partnership

    Registered Domestic PartnershipRegistered domestic partners are entitled to the same rights, protections and benefits as are granted to spouses by laws, regulations, court decisions and government policies.  More »

  • Medical Condition and Genetic Characteristics

    Medical Condition and Genetic CharacteristicsFederal and state laws protect an individual with a disability or medical condition that affects his/her ability to perform a job’s essential functions or those of a job for which they are applying.  More »

    ​​Read about new 2012 legislation.​
  • National Origin

    National Origin“National origin” has been broadly interpreted to mean the country that the applicant, employee or his/her ancestors came from.  More »

  • Pregnancy

    PregnancyRegardless of the number of people you employ, you cannot harass or discriminate against employees or applicants because of pregnancy.  More »

  • Race

    RaceTitle VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and FEHA both prohibit race discrimination in all aspects of employment relationships.  More »

  • Religion

    ReligionYou cannot deny employment or employment benefits to any employee because of his/her religious creed or lack of one.  More »

  • Sex and Gender

    Sex and GenderBoth state and federal laws prohibit discrimination in the workplace based on a person’s sex.  More »

    ​​Read about new 2012 legislation.​
  • Sexual Orientation

    Sexual OrientationEmployees in California are protected from employment discrimination based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation.  More »

  • Sexual Harassment

    Sexual HarassmentFor a complete discussion of sexual harassment, see Sexual Harassment.” That section includes information on guidelines about sexual harassment put in place by the EEOC, the FEHC and the courts.  More »

  • Other Forms of Harassment

    Other Forms of HarassmentAlthough sexual harassment receives the most attention and publicity, harassment on the basis of any protected class status violates federal and state law and is considered a form of discrimination.  More »