What is human rights law?
Human rights law is a body of laws that protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals. These laws are designed to ensure that all people, regardless of race, gender, age, class, or other identity factors, can exercise their rights without fear of discrimination or other forms of harm. In Virginia, human rights laws are upheld by the Virginia Human Rights Act, which is a set of state laws that protect individuals from discrimination in the workplace, housing, public accommodations and other areas. The Virginia Human Rights Act prohibits employers from treating employees and prospective employees differently because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status. It also prohibits employers from using certain test or criteria that might have a disparate impact on any of these protected classes, and it protects individuals from retaliation for exercising their rights. In addition to state laws, the Virginia Department of Human Rights, Housing, and Community Development is responsible for enforcing federal civil rights laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in the workplace, and the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing. In short, human rights law is an important set of laws that protect individuals from discrimination and other harms. By following these laws, everyone can enjoy the fundamental rights and freedoms that should be guaranteed to all people.
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