What laws protect employees from discrimination?

In California, there are several laws that are designed to protect employees from discrimination. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is the primary law that makes it illegal to discriminate against someone because of their race, color, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (over 40), disability, marital status, national origin, ancestry, religion, military or veteran status, or sexual orientation in specific areas related to work. The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) also prohibits discrimination against family members or those with caregiving responsibilities. Another key law is the Unruh Civil Rights Act, which broadly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, marital status, or physical handicap. This law applies to all businesses, whether for-profit or nonprofit, and was passed to ensure that all people in California, regardless of their protected status, are treated equally. Additionally, the California Labor Code requires employers to provide employees with equal pay regardless of gender or race. An employer cannot pay an employee less because of their gender or race, and must pay the same rate to anyone performing the same job. Finally, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is the state agency in charge of administering and enforcing laws to protect Californians from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The DFEH receives, investigates, and resolves complaints of discrimination, and works to ensure that it is enforced in the workplace.

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What laws protect employees from discrimination?

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