Overview of the Federal and Maryland Employment Anti-Discrimination Laws
There are a number of state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination based on age, race, color, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion, pregnancy, among other categories.
As you begin to decide if you have been subjected to the type of discrimination covered by law, there are a few key concepts that will help you:
- Not everyone is covered. To be able to take legal action under these laws, you must fall into certain categories (called “protected classes”).
- Not every law covers every situation. The person or group you believe has discriminated against you must also fit into certain categories. For example, employers with fewer than 20 employees are not covered by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 .
- There are different time limits for when you must file complaints under federal and state laws.
- The starting point for a discrimination case changes by law. Some discrimination laws require you to file a complaint with a government agency before you can go to court. Others, such as the Equal Pay Act, allow you to take a claim of discrimination directly to court.
Below is a chart summarizing certain federal and Maryland laws that prohibit discrimination in employment. In addition to the federal and state laws summarized below, a few counties and Baltimore City have passed local laws making certain kinds of employment discrimination illegal. Counties that have adopted local laws include: Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's Counties.
Click these links to learn more about specific laws.
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What the Law Says |
Who is Covered by the Law |
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Federal Laws |
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Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Enforcement: For more information about filing a complaint go to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website (EEOC). Can file by mail, in person or over the phone. |
Employers may not harass or discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Employers covered by the law cannot: Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against an employee for making a complaint under this law. |
Employers with 15 or more employees. Educational institutions.
Note: All employers (regardless of their number of employees) are covered by the 1991 Civil Rights Act. (42 USC § 1981 ) |
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The Age Discrimination in Employment Act Enforcement: For more information about filing a complaint go to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website (EEOC). |
Employers may not discriminate against employees who are age 40 or older. Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against an employee for making a complaint under this law. |
The federal government and its agencies. State and local governments.
Note: Please be aware that this law has many different provisions some of which may apply to federal, state or local government entities while others apply to private employers. |
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The Equal Pay Act Enforcement: For more information about filing a complaint go to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website (EEOC). |
Employers must give men and women equal pay for equal work, even if the job titles are different. Equal work means that both men and women perform jobs that require the same skill, effort, responsibility and, under similar conditions. Note: A man and woman can be paid different salaries for equal work if the difference is based on a seniority, merit or incentive system. |
With very few exceptions, almost every employer must follow this law - private employers as well as federal and state governments. |
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The Americans with Disabilities Act Enforcement: For more information about filing a complaint go to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website (EEOC). ADA: For help on accommodations for a specific person with a disability, contact the Job Accommodation Network at 800-526-7234. |
Employers cannot discriminate against a person with a disability in any aspect of employment. This includes interviews, testing, hiring, job assignment, evaluations, discipline, training, promotions, layoffs, compensation, leave and benefits. Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against an employee for making a complaint under this law. Note: An employer must make “reasonable applicant or employee to do the job. 42 USC §12112(b)(5)(A). Exception: If the accommodation needed would impose “an undue hardship” on the employer, the change may not be required. |
Employers with 15 or more employees for at least 20 weeks a year. Joint labor-management committees. |
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Pregnancy Discrimination Act : 42 USC § 2000e(k)
Enforcement: For more information about filing a complaint go to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website (EEOC). |
An employer must not refuse to hire or discriminate against a woman who is pregnant. A pregnant woman must be treated in the same manner as other applicants or employees with similar abilities or limitations. Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against an employee for making a complaint under this law. Note: Any health insurance provided by the employer must cover all pregnancy expenses on the same basis as costs for other medical conditions. Health insurance expenses arising from an abortion are not required to be covered, unless the life of the mother is endangered. |
Employers with 15 or more employees. Employment agencies. Educational institutions.
Note: Some employers are exempt. For example, religious organizations may require employees to be of a certain faith. (42 U.S.C. §2000e-1(a))
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The Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986 Enforcement: To file a complaint, contact the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices 800-255-7688 or e-mail osccrt@usdoj.gov |
Employers are prohibited from discriminating against applicants and employees on the basis of their citizenship or national origin. |
Employers with 4 or more employees. For a list of detailed questions and answers check the U.S. Department of Justice Immigrant and Employee Rights Section |
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What the Law Says |
Who is Covered by the Law |
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Maryland Laws |
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Law: Md Code. State Government § 20-601 Enforcement: The Maryland Commission on Civil Rights accepts complaints. All complaints are investigated. You must file a complaint within 6 months of: Date of discrimination (1 year for housing) or |
Maryland makes it unlawful to refuse to hire, discharge, or otherwise discriminate someone due to:
Employers are also prohibited from retaliating against an employee for making a complaint under this law. |
Employers in industry or business who have 15 or more employees for at least 20 weeks in a calendar year, including the State. Read the Law: MD Code Ann. State Gov't 20-601.
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