However, not all discrimination is unlawful. Though it's always best not to judge a book by its cover, for the most part, the law only prohibits discrimination in our public and not our private lives.
Starting with the workplace, below is a list of places in Massachusetts where discrimination can lead to legal consequences.
Employees:
It is illegal for employers with a staff of six or more to discriminate against their employees based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, handicap (disability), mental illness, retaliation, sexual harassment, sexual orientation, and genetics.
Employers also have a duty to provide maternity leave to both biological and adoptive parents.
Job Applicants:
Massachusetts employers are also prohibited from discriminating against job applicants based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, criminal record, handicap (disability), mental illness, retaliation, sexual harassment, sexual orientation, and genetics.
Public Establishments:
Discrimination is prohibited based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, handicap (disability), or sexual orientation in public accommodations, such as: hotels;
- restaurants or bars
- theatres and sports stadiums
- stores and other retail establishment
- laundromats and gas stations
- professional services such as lawyers or accountants
- health care facilities
- mass transportation providers
- museums and libraries
- parks, gyms, beaches, and other places of public recreation
- child care centers and senior citizen centers
- public streets and highways
- court rooms, city and town offices, and polling places
Tenants and Homebuyers:
In the housing context, landlords and realtors are prohibited from discriminating against tenants and homebuyers based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, handicap (disability), sexual harassment, sexual orientation, marital status, children, retaliation, veteran status, or public assistance.
Borrowers:
Mortgage lenders are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, handicap (disability), sexual orientation, whether the individual has a child, and retaliation. In addition, banks and other creditors are prohibited from discriminating based on sex, age, sexual orientation, marital statutes, public assistance, and retaliation.
Education:
Those applying for admission to schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions are protected from discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, criminal record, blindness, and retaliation. Furthermore, such educational institutions are responsible for providing an environment that is free from sexual harassment.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and if you think you have been the victim of discrimination in any of the above or similar situations, please contact a qualified attorney to discuss your legal rights.
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