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Discrimination — Pennsylvania

Discrimination

In Pennsylvania, employers are generally prohibited from discriminating against employees on the basis of:

  • race
  • religion
  • color
  • sex (including sexual orientation and transgender status)
  • disability
  • national origin
  • pregnancy
  • age
  • veteran status
  • any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. 

Employers should become familiar with the following statutes in order to lessen their exposure to costly litigation and avoid liability for damages which can result from a determination that an employer has violated one of these statutes.

Laws prohibiting discrimination include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII)
  • Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act (Section 1981)
  • Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA)
  • Equal Pay Act (EPA)
  • Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA)
  • Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
  • Older Workers Benefits Protection Act (OWBPA)