What are Federal and State  Discrimination Laws?

Throughout the hiring process, municipalities need to be aware of a number of federal and state statutes that protect employees from discrimination in the workplace, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967. The Montana Code Annotated Title 49 Chapters 1-4 outlines basic rights, illegal discrimination, the Governmental Code of Fair Practices and rights of persons with disabilities within the State of Montana. The Montana Human Rights Act and Governmental Code of Fair Practices make it unlawful to discriminate in state and local governmental employment and services. The following are protected classes for purposes of employment in Montana:

• Age (all ages are protected from discrimination in Montana)\Marital status 

• National origin

• Physical or mental disability

• Race/color

• Religion/creed

• Sex (including pregnancy, maternity and sexual orientation)

• Political beliefs or ideas (only public employees are protected from discrimination in Montana)

• Military/Veteran status

• Genetic Information

Montana Municipal Officials Handbook 62:
Additional information on laws regarding employment discrimination can be found at the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s website and at the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s website. Municipalities may also have non-discrimination ordinances which provide for additional protected classes. Please consult with legal counsel to learn more.