Duncan Signs Genetic Discrimination Legislation

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Contact: Sue Tucker, 240-777-6530 or
Michael Dennis, 240-777-8450

For Immediate Release: December 20, 2000

Duncan Signs Genetic
Discrimination Legislation

Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today signed into law a bill that will prohibit job discrimination based on an individual's genetic make-up. The legislation will go into effect on March 21, 2001.

"I commend the County Council for passing this legislation, and Council Member Phil Andrews for spearheading the effort," said Duncan. "Montgomery County is at the forefront of the biotechnology revolution and it is imperative that we take a leadership role in protecting our employees against discrimination in the workplace based on their genetic make-up."

"It is important that Montgomery County be both a world leader in biotechnology and in protecting the public against the misuse of genetic information," said Council Member Phil Andrews. "This law will help assure the public that genetic information will be used to help them, not to hurt them."

The legislation prohibits public and private employers in the county from using genetic information obtained from blood tests and family histories when making hiring, firing and promotion decisions. Under the new law, workers who believe their rights have been violated could file a complaint with the County's Human Relations Commission or seek remedy in court. County law currently protects workers and applicants from discrimination based on race, religion, nationality, gender, age, family status and sexual orientation.

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