Are employers allowed to deny job applicants employment based on their medical condition?

No, employers are not allowed to deny job applicants employment based on their medical condition in California. This is known as employment discrimination and is illegal in California. According to the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) of California, employers can be liable for discrimination if they take an adverse action against an applicant or employee because of their medical condition. This includes refusing to hire someone due to their medical condition, or taking any other action that would prevent a person from obtaining or keeping a job. In order to be considered discriminatory, however, the medical condition must be unrelated to the job in question. Employers are allowed to consider job applicants’ medical conditions, as long as the medical condition does not prevent the person from performing the essential functions of the job. Additionally, employers cannot require a job applicant to disclose any medical information before making a job offer. Employment discrimination law in California is taken seriously and employers found guilty of discrimination can face serious penalties, including financial penalties and injunctive relief such as changes to hiring practices. It is important for employers to be aware of the laws and understand their obligations to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly.

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