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?
Lv 5
? asked in Politics & GovernmentLaw & Ethics · 6 years ago

Is it still legal to discriminate against fat people in the US for food service?

I work at a restaurant & bar where the manager refuses to hire fat people. He insists that people fill applications in person, takes a sneak peek at them and then either throws the application inot the "fat" basket (his wastebasket) or calls them in for an interview. He says most people do not find fat people speedy or attractive and slovenly in their habits. He insists they are no laws preventing their discrimination because the constitution only covers, race religion and now sexual preference. (I have to admit he won't hire gay looking people because they might bleed onto people's food and this could give them Aids and thus make him liable.)

Granted I work for a dork, but people flock here because we're good-looking fast and friendly.

Is he correct in not breaking any laws simply for not hiring fatties?

12 Answers

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  • 6 years ago

    He's right that there is no federal protection against discrimination on the basis of weight. There is, however, protection against discrimination on the basis of disability, so if the obesity is a symptom of some disorder, there could be something there.

    He's wrong about what else federal law covers, and he's also mistaken if he thinks that federal law is the only thing he has to worry about.

    In short, he doesn't sound particularly well qualified to be a hiring manager.

  • LILL
    Lv 7
    6 years ago

    Fat people are not a protected class and can be discriminated against. Airlines do it all the time when they charge a fat person the cost of two seats.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    6 years ago

    Well he's confused if he thinks the Constitution grants anyone protection. The LAW does, and some States still don't care about sexual orientation. Anyway though no State has yet to consider weight when it comes to protected classes. He has a point though, it's a business that is all about appearances.

  • Jerry
    Lv 4
    6 years ago

    discriminating against anybody for any reason is illegal. There are legal charges and lawsuits that can, be brought against you, if the victim really wanted to pursue them

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  • 6 years ago

    Perfectly legal.

  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

    your boss is ignorant bigot obviously his hatred towards fat people is a result from him being fat at one point in his own life as a child bullied and abused by others.

  • solo
    Lv 5
    6 years ago

    Fashion stores only hire attractive people with style. It's the same with hairdressers. I don't think there is anything illegal in what he is doing.

  • ?
    Lv 5
    6 years ago

    Yeah, its perfectly legal in most states. I wouldn't worry about it and just be glad that you got a job and hope those "fatties" can get a job elsewhere

  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

    He should really take a look at your yahoo profile. He wouldn't hire you either, dear.

  • 6 years ago

    Hid business, he can hire as he sees fit.

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