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

In Texas, employers are not allowed to ask job applicants about their marital status. This law is part of the Texas Labor Code, which prohibits employers from discriminating against any qualified job applicant based on their marital status. This means that companies cannot reject an applicant solely because of their marital status. Although employers are not allowed to ask about marital status, they may be able to request information about dependents. If the job requires health benefits or other employee benefits, employers may ask about family members who may be eligible for those benefits. Employers may also ask about the applicant’s legal status, such as if they are authorized to work in the United States. In general, employers should avoid asking questions that are not related to the job or the applicant’s ability to perform the job. This includes questions about marital status. Applicants who feel that they have been discriminated against based on their marital status in Texas may file a complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission.

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