What are the differences between federal and state employment discrimination law?

Employment discrimination laws protect employees from unfair treatment based on certain characteristics, such as race, sex, age, and religion. The protections afforded to employees vary depending on the state they work in and the Federal laws that apply. Under federal law, employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, and genetic information. These laws are enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). In addition, employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who complain about workplace discrimination. In Utah, state laws generally follow the same federal guidelines. However, some state-specific laws offer additional protections for employees. For example, Utah prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, marital status, and political expression in the workplace. In addition, the state’s Human Rights Act protects all employees from discrimination based on their political opinion, creed, or lifestyle. In general, state laws provide more protection for employees than federal laws. However, it is important to note that in most cases, the EEOC will handle complaints of discrimination based on federal law, while complaints based on state law will be handled by the state or local human rights commission. When in doubt, it is best to contact an employment lawyer to ensure that you are protected from discrimination under both federal and state law.

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