Which law prohibits employment discrimination against individuals 40 years of age or older?

• A. Age Discrimination in Employment Act
• B. Civil Rights Act
• C. Americans with Disabilities Act
• D. Equal Pay Act

Answer: (A)

Discrimination based on age in the workplace is addressed by a federal law that specifically protects workers who are 40 or older. Under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, employers with 20 or more employees (including state and local governments, employment agencies, and labor organizations) may not hire, fire, promote, compensate, or set terms and conditions of employment based on age, with a few narrow exceptions. It also guards against retaliation for filing a discrimination complaint or participating in an investigation. Other laws cover different protected characteristics—such as the Civil Rights Act (race, color, religion, sex, national origin), the Americans with Disabilities Act (disability), and the Equal Pay Act (equal pay for equal work regardless of sex). The focus on age 40 and older is what makes this law the correct choice.