Answer:
The following are characteristics protected by anti-discrimination laws:
1. Age
2. Disability
3.Gender reassignment
4. Marriage and civil partnership
4. Pregnancy and maternity
5. Race
6. Religion or belief
7. Sex
8. Sexual orientation
Explanation:
Anti-discrimination laws can be defined as laws that are put in place to protect against the unfair treatment of people based on various characteristics. In the United States, the equality Act of 2010 was the latest act to elaborate on the characteristics of those protected against discrimination. The protected characteristics covered by the law are; marriage and civil partnership, race, age, gender, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, disability and pregnancy and maternity.
1. Age: protects employees of all ages but gives the employer the right to justify direct discrimination.
2. Disability: the law states that it is not fair to treat someone in a way that doesn't favor them especially if it is something directly connected to their disability.
3.Gender reassignment: its is unfair to discriminate against those who propose to start or complete to change their gender especially if they miss work for that particular reason.
4. Marriage and civil partnership: the act continues to protect married people and people in civil partnerships
4. Pregnancy and maternity: the act protects women who are pregnant from discrimination.
5. Race: the act still continues to protect discrimination on any individual based on race including; nationality, ethnicity and color.
6. Religion or belief: the act protects against discrimination on someone's religion and belief as well as no belief.
7. Sex: the act protects against discrimination against people on the basis of sex.
8. Sexual orientation: involves protection of gays, lesbians and heterosexuals due to their sexual orientation.