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 »

  • Harassment

    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 »

  • Marital Status

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

  • Medical Condition and Genetic Information

    Medical Condition and Genetic InformationFederal 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 »

  • National Origin and English-Only Policies

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

    ​Rea​d about a new 2012 court case.
  • Pregnancy

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

    Read about new PDL regulations.
  • 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 »

    Read about new 2013 legislation.
  • 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 2013 legislation.​
  • Sexual Orientation

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