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

In California, an employer is not allowed to ask about a job applicant’s marital status during the hiring process. This law is in place to protect job applicants from being discriminated against. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits employers from making hiring decisions based on marital status, as it is considered a form of discrimination. Asking about marital status could lead to employers discriminating on the basis of marital status, which is illegal in California. This applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring and promotion. Employers cannot make any decisions based on marital status, either directly or indirectly. Questions that could reveal marital status like "Are you married?" or "Are you in a relationship?" are considered discriminatory and illegal. Employers are allowed to ask questions to determine an applicant’s financial status, but they must do so in a way that does not reveal an applicant’s marital status. It is important for employers to be aware of the laws in California when it comes to employment discrimination. Asking questions about an applicant’s marital status is one form of discrimination, and employers must make sure to avoid this or face potential legal consequences.

Related FAQs

What is privacy in the workplace?
Can an employer request a medical assessment of an employee's fitness for work?
Are employees entitled to be paid for overtime worked?
What is an independent contractor?
What is the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)?
What are the rights of employees under the Immigration Reform and Control Act?
What are the employee benefits available under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
Are there any federal laws that apply to employment?
What is sexual harassment?

Related Blog Posts

Employment Law Overview: What Employers Need to Know - July 31, 2023
Understanding Compensable Time in Employment Law - August 7, 2023
Minimum Wage Standards in Employment Law: What Employers Need to Understand - August 14, 2023
An Overview of Unemployment Benefits and Related Employment Laws - August 21, 2023
Common Mistakes Employers Make in Employment Law - August 28, 2023