The right to be free from discrimination because of race, creed, religion, color, sex, physical or mental disability, age, or national origin is recognized as and declared to be a civil right. In Montana the Department of Labor and Industry is the state agency that enforces Montana’s discrimination laws. The Human Rights Bureau of the Department receives and investigates complaints of discrimination.
The right to obtain and hold employment without discrimination is protected under Montana (MT) job discrimination law in the workplace. Under this law it would be considered unlawful practice to refuse employment to a person, to bar a person from employment, or to discriminate against a person in compensation or in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of race, creed, religion, color, or national origin or because of age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex when the reasonable demands of the position do not require an age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or sex distinction. The law specifically addresses pregnancy and states that an employer cannot terminate a woman’s employment because of her pregnancy, refuse to grant to the employee a reasonable leave of absence, deny any compensation to which she is entitled as a result of the accumulation of disability or leave benefits, or require that an employee take a mandatory maternity leave for an unreasonable length of time.
It is not considered a violation of Montana (MT) job discrimination law in the workplace and the prohibition of marital status discrimination to offer, or provide greater or additional contributions to a bona fide group insurance plan for employees with dependents than to those employees without dependents or with fewer dependents.
It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with at least the basics of Montana (MT) job discrimination law so that you are aware of your rights as an employee and your responsibilities as an employer.
