Discrimination

A civil right is an enforceable right or privilege, which if interfered with by another gives rise to an action for injury. Examples of civil rights are freedom of speech, press, assembly, the right to vote, freedom from involuntary servitude, and the right to equality in public places. Discrimination occurs when the civil rights of an individual are denied or interfered with because of their membership in a particular group or class. Statutes have been enacted to prevent discrimination based on a persons race, sex, religion, age, previous condition of servitude, physical limitation, national origin and in some instances sexual preference.

Many decisions that are made everyday that can be said to be discriminatory. For example, you may prefer vanilla versus chocolate ice cream. However, that type of discrimination is a matter of personal choice.

Most life insurance companies charge lower rates for 20-year olds than 60-year olds. This is not unlawful discrimination. Notoriously, 20 year olds have worse driving records than 60 year olds.

Decisions become unlawfully discriminatory when race, creed, national origin or ethnicity (and, in some cases, gender) are factors which cause one person to be treated differently than another. Some states have laws that also protect against discrimination on the basis of marital status or sexual preference.