State Laws

New Jersey Civil Union Act:

Effective February 19, 2007, the law provides for the legal recognition of a civil union established by two eligible individuals of the same sex. Parties to a civil union are entitled to the same benefits and protections, and are subject to the same responsibilities as spouses in a legal marriage.

New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD):

The LAD prohibits unlawful employment discrimination and harassment based on an individual's race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, pregnancy or breastfeeding, religion, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for military service, civil union status or domestic partnership status,  and mental or physical disability (including perceived disability, and AIDS and HIV status).

New Jersey Domestic Partnership Act:

This law went into effect on July 10, 2004. It protects same-sex couples who have entered into domestic partnerships and heterosexual couples over the age of 62 under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. It also affords those covered with various tax, health, pension and retirement benefits.

Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act:

The Equal Pay Act within the LAD generally prohibits an employer from paying any employee who is a member of a protected class less than what it pays an employee who is not a member of that protected class for “substantially similar work.” Click here to view a Division on Civil Rights fact sheet about the Diane P. Allen Equal Pay Act, and here to view a guidance document explaining the Act.

Federal Laws

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based upon an individual’s race, color, sex, religion, or national origin.

Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA)

The PDA is an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It prohibits discrimination based upon pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The Act applies to employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local governments. This Act requires that women who are pregnant, or affected by related conditions, must be treated in the same manner as other applicants or employees with similar abilities or limitations.

The Age Discrimination In Employment Act Of 1967 (ADEA)

The ADEA prohibits employment discrimination against individuals ages 40 and over.

Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA)

The EPA protects women and men performing equal work in the same establishment from sex-based wage discrimination (including fringe benefits).

Title I And Title V Of The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA prohibits employment discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities.