Are employers allowed to ask job applicants questions about their marital status?

In Texas, it is illegal for an employer to ask a job applicant questions about their marital status. This is because such questions can be used to discriminate against people based on their marital status or other related characteristics (such as age, gender, race, or religion). Such questions are considered a form of employment discrimination, which is illegal under state and federal law. It is important to note that employers can ask prospective employees questions about their availability for work or their willingness to take on certain duties. However, they may not ask questions about non-work related details such as marital status. For example, an employer cannot ask a job applicant if they are married, if they have children, or the names of their spouse or children. In addition, employers cannot inquire about an applicant’s plans to have children or any other plan that would affect their ability to work. Furthermore, employers cannot make decisions based on an applicant’s marital status. For example, they cannot choose to hire someone who is single over someone who is married. Employers can, however, inquire about an applicant’s availability for weekend and evening work, as availability is not related to marital status. Overall, employers in Texas cannot ask job applicants questions about their marital status because such questions are considered a form of employment discrimination. Questions about availability for certain work shifts or duties, however, can be asked.

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