Are employers allowed to hire or fire an employee based on gender?

In the state of Massachusetts, it is illegal for employers to hire or fire someone based on gender. This is prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law makes it illegal to discriminate against someone based on sex, race, color, national origin, and religion. Additionally, the Massachusetts Fair Employment Practices Act prohibits the same type of discrimination. This law also makes it illegal to discriminate on the basis of pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, and age. These laws are enforced by the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). If an employee believes their rights have been violated, they can file a complaint with the MCAD. The agency will then investigate the complaint to determine if an employer violated the laws. It is important to remember that an employer cannot take any action based on an individual’s gender or other protected characteristic. Doing so could result in steep financial penalties or other consequences. Therefore, it is important for employers to be familiar with these laws and ensure they are not violating them.

Related FAQs

Are employers allowed to ask job applicants about their disabilities?
How do I know if my employer is violating employment law?
Are employers allowed to require employees to attend training sessions?
What are the notice requirements for an employer to terminate an employee?
What is the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN)?
Are employers allowed to ask job applicants about their marital status?
Are employers allowed to reduce an employee's hours or duties without notice?
What are the disability/bereavement rights of an employee?
Are employers allowed to ask questions about previous salary history?
Are employers allowed to ask job applicants about their military service?

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