What kind of discrimination is illegal in the workplace?

Discrimination in the workplace is illegal in Washington. This means that employers are not allowed to treat individuals differently because of certain characteristics, such as race, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression. Under federal law, employers with 15 or more employees are prohibited from discrimination in employment. This includes decisions regarding hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, benefits, and other conditions of employment. Additionally, Washington state law prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals in any aspect of employment if the employer has eight or more employees. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) also prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities and people over the age of 40, respectively. Additionally, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) prohibits employers from using genetic information in making employment decisions. In Washington, it is illegal for employers to base their decisions on an employee’s sex, marital status, pregnancy, or parenthood, or to create a hostile working environment because of any of these factors. Employers must also provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities when it is necessary for them to perform their job duties. Finally, employers are prohibited from retaliating against individuals who report cases of discrimination.

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What kind of discrimination is illegal in the workplace?

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