Job Interview - Marital/ Family Status (often alludes to sexual orientation)

The purpose of these “family” inquiries is to explore what some employers believe is a common source of absenteeism and tardiness. Typically, these questions are asked only of women making the inquiry clearly unlawful. However, even if such inquiries are made of both men and women, the questions may still be suspect. Such information has been used to discriminate against women because of society’s general presumption that they are the primary care givers. If the employer’s concern is regular work attendance, a better question would be, “Is there anything that would interfere with regular attendance at work?”

Example of Illegal Questions
Are you married or do you have a permanent partner?
With whom do you live?
How many children do you have?
Are you pregnant?
Do you expect to become have
a family? When? How many children will you have?
What are your child care arrangements?

Possible Legal Alternatives
Would you be willing to relocate if necessary?
Travel is an important part of the job. Do you have any restrictions on your ability to travel?
Do you have responsibilities or commitments that will prevent you from meeting specified work schedules?
Do you anticipate any absences from work on a regular basis? If so, please explain the circumstances.
www.jobinterviewquestions.org/questions/job-specific-questions.asp