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Discrimination: Missouri

Discrimination requirements for other states

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Authors: Jason Janoski and Alan L. Rupe, Kutak Rock LLP

Summary

  • The Missouri Human Rights Act (MHRA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related disabilities), ancestry, age or disability. See Discrimination Under the Missouri Human Rights Act.
  • Employers may not conduct employment testing which discriminates against individuals based on membership in a protected class. See Employment Testing.
  • Under Missouri law, a complainant must prove that protected class status was the motivating favor in the adverse employment decision. See Causation.
  • It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against an employee or applicant because the individual uses lawful alcohol or tobacco products off the employer's premises during non-work hours unless the use interferes with the employee's duties or the operation of the business. See Smokers' Rights Law.
  • It is unlawful in Missouri for an employer to use any genetic information or genetic test results of an employee or prospective employee to distinguish between, discriminate against, or restrict any right or benefit otherwise due to the individual. See Genetic Testing.
  • Localities including Columbia, Kansas City and St. Louis have requirements addressing discrimination. See Local Requirements.