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Laws Prohibiting Discrimination

Understanding Employment Discrimination Laws in New Jersey: Comprehensive Guide

Federal law prohibits employment discrimination based on a person’s race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Federal law also prohibits employment discrimination based on disability, and in certain cases, based on pregnancy or age. However, there are a lot of categories of individuals who are not protected from discrimination under federal law. New Jersey provides multiple additional protections for a variety of individuals against discrimination.

Laws Protecting Same-Sex Couples

New Jersey has multiple laws that protect same-sex couples. For example, the New Jersey Civil Union Act gives parties to a civil union the same benefits and responsibilities as spouses in a marriage. The New Jersey Domestic Partnership Act protects same-sex couples in a domestic partnership, giving those couples tax, health, and retirement benefits under New Jersey Law.

Laws Protecting Smokers (and Non-Smokers)

Though smoking status may lead to increased employer costs due to healthcare and increased days off, the New Jersey Smoking Law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or applicants due to smoking status. The law does provide an exception for cases where the action is related to the requirements of the job.

Broad Anti-Discrimination Laws

The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibits employment discrimination based on a number of categories. This includes the federally protected characteristics of race, sex, color, religion, and national origin, as well as provides additional protections based on an individual’s ancestry, familial status, marital/civil union status, domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for military service, and mental or physical disability. The law also provides protection for pregnant employees from discrimination based on pregnancy or childbirth.

Contact NJ Employment Discrimination Lawyers

Anti-discrimination laws are complex. If you think you have been a victim of employment discrimination, you should quickly contact a qualified attorney who can review the specific facts of your case. The law firm of John J. Zidziunas & Associates has a team experienced and professional NJ employment discrimination lawyers. For further information, please Contact Us.

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