Protected Characteristics
Specific grounds on which discrimination is prohibited.
Definitions (4)
The Belgian Anti-Discrimination Law of 2007 prohibits discrimination based on 13 specific non-racial and non-gender-related grounds: age, sexual orientation, civil status, birth, wealth, religious or philosophical conviction, political conviction, trade union conviction, language, current or future state of health, disability, physical or genetic characteristic, and social origin. These are the legally recognized bases for protection against unequal treatment.
Under the Equality Act 2010, 'protected characteristics' are personal attributes that are legally safeguarded against discrimination. These include age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. The Equality (Race and Disability) Bill specifically focuses on enhancing protections and transparency related to 'race' (including colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origins) and 'disability' (a physical or mental impairment with a substantial and long-term adverse effect on day-to-day activities) in the context of pay equity, ensuring these groups are afforded equal treatment.
In the context of Rhode Island General Laws, Chapter 28-6, "protected characteristics" refer to the specific attributes based on which wage discrimination is prohibited. These include race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age (defined as at least forty years of age), and country of ancestral origin. The law ensures that wage differentials based on these characteristics are unlawful unless justified by specific, bona fide factors.
Protected Characteristics refer to the specific attributes or grounds upon which discrimination is prohibited under the Model Anti-Discrimination Law. These include, but are not limited to, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion, belief, disability, age, and social origin. Discrimination based on any of these characteristics is unlawful.