Even in today’s progressive world, married people face discrimination in the workplace. It is often noticed that single people are preferred over married ones. The most targeted ones are women, single dads, and same-sex couples. Employers in New York are infamous for creating differences between people with certain familial statuses.
It is important to understand what marital discrimination is. It will help you protect yourself when it happens to you. If you believe you were discriminated against, consult with an NYC employment law attorney today. Meanwhile, continue reading to find out the basics you need to know about it.
What is marital status discrimination?
It is also known as familial status discrimination. This type of workplace discrimination is based on whether the employee is married or single or has a child or not. This discrimination can also happen to those who have children and are not married.
Familial or marital status discrimination happens when the manager or the employer denies an employee’s payment, employment, or promotion or harasses them in the workplace. The employer may also take negative employment action against a particular employee based on the employee’s status as a single or married person or as a parent.
Examples of familial status discrimination include:
- Denial of employment despite his/her qualifications due to their status as a married or single person or as a parent.
- Not giving a promotion to an employee because the employer thinks that she will leave work as soon as she gets pregnant.
- Being fired from the job after an employee tells her boss that she is pregnant.
- If an employee marries someone who is now an ex-worker of the company.
- The unfair and unjust treatment of the employee for using Paid Family Leave after giving birth.
Is marital status a protected class?
Protected classes include race, gender, disability, and religion. However, the question arises whether marital status is a protected class under federal laws. The bad news is that federal laws do not protect marital status. However, there are some cities and states that consider marital status as a protected class.
The New York State Human Rights Law recognizes giving people the opportunity of employment without being discriminated against on the basis of national origin, race, caste, creed, color, disability, or marital status as a civil right. It also protects people based on their partnership status and for pregnant women as well. Seek the help of an employment attorney to determine which laws apply to your case.
