Are employers allowed to terminate employees for refusing to comply with unlawful instructions?
In Maryland, employers are not allowed to terminate employees for refusing to comply with unlawful instructions. This is because Maryland has multiple laws in effect that protect employees from discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, employers may not discriminate against employees based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Maryland also has its own Employment Discrimination Law, which prevents employers from discriminating against employees based on the same protected classes as Title VII. In addition, the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report or refuse to comply with unlawful instructions. For example, if an employee is asked to do something that violates the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act, such as a discriminatory action, the employee cannot be terminated for refusing to do it. Furthermore, the Maryland Wage Payment and Collection Law prohibits employers from retaliating against any employee for asserting or attempting to assert their rights under the law. In summary, employers in Maryland are not allowed to terminate employees for refusing to comply with unlawful instructions. Doing so would violate multiple state and federal employment discrimination laws. Employees who feel as though they have been wrongfully terminated due to refusal to comply with unlawful instructions should contact a legal professional to explore their options.
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