Major Federal Laws

Question 1

Equal Pay Act of 1963

Answer 1

Requires all employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act and others to provide equal pay for equal work, regardless of sex

Question 2

Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964 (amended in 1972, 1991, 1994, and 2009)

Answer 2

Prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; created the EEOC to enforce the provisions of Title VII.

Question 3

Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (amended in 1986 and 1990)

Answer 3

Prohibits private and public employers from discriminating against people age 40 or older in any area of employment because of age; exceptions are permitted when age is a bona fide occupational qualification.

Question 4

Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972

Answer 4

Amended Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964; strengthens the EEOC’s enforcement powers and extends coverage of Title VII to government employees, employees in higher education, and other employers and employees

Question 5

Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978

Answer 5

Broadens the definition of sex discrimination to include pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; prohibits employers from discriminating against pregnant women in employment benefits if they are capable of performing their job duties.

Question 6

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (amended in 2008)

Answer 6

Prohibits discrimination in employment against people with physical or mental disabilities or the chronically ill; enjoins employers to make reasonable accommodation to the employment needs of the disabled; covers employers with 15 or more employees.

Question 7

Civil Rights Act of 1991

Answer 7

Provides for compensatory and punitive damages and jury trials in cases involving intentional discrimination; requires employers to demonstrate that job practices are job-related and consistent with business necessity; extends coverage to U.S. citizens working for U.S. companies overseas.

Question 8

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (amended in 1998, 2004, and 2008)

Answer 8

Protects the employment rights of individuals who enter the military for short periods of service.

Question 9

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010

Answer 9

Bars discrimination against military personnel based on their sexual orientations.