More protections for workers.

• Position: Statestats - Brief Article

As the nation becomes more diverse, employers are faced with a workforce of different races, colors, religions, nationalities, ages and physical abilities. Federal laws beginning in the 1960s protect workers from sexual, race, age and physical disability discrimination. And all but two states have their own laws shielding workers.

States have started to protect workers with more specific differences. Eleven states include sexual orientation among protections, and 12 more introduced such legislation in 2002. Nineteen states shelter workers based on marital status, and 28 safeguard pregnant workers.

Some states have even stricter criteria defending employees with HIV and criminal records and those who use tobacco off-duty.

DISCRIMINATION EXPRESSLY FORBIDDEN IN HIRING AND EMPLOYMENT Alaska Parenthood Connecticut Learning disability; previous arrest or conviction District of Columbia Matriculation; personal appearance; family responsibilities; political affiliation Hawaii Arrest and conviction records Illinois Citizenship; military service; arrest and conviction status Maine Past workers' compensation claim Michigan Height, weight; arrest record Missouri Off duty tobacco use New Jersey Military service New York Arrest and conviction records Pennsylvania High school equivalency certificate; opposition to abortion or sterilization Oregon Expunged juvenile records; violations of state health code; testified before a legislative assembly Puerto Rico Political beliefs; socio/economic background; social position South Dakota Off duty use of tobacco products Vermont Place of birth Washington Arrest and conviction records Wisconsin Arrest and conviction records; military service Wyoming Off duty use of tobacco...