by Gregory Williams, Esq. | Under Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) Credit Transaction Regulations, what is the definition of “marital status“? Here’s my point of view (NOTE: please read our DISCLAIMER before proceeding).
THE STATUTORY AUTHORITY (RCW)
RCW 49.60.120(3) is the statutory authority enabling the WSHRC to define the term “marital status.” See WAC 162-40-041, WA State Legislature Website (bottom of page body). The statute declares that the WSHRC has “the function[], power[], and dut[y] … [t]o adopt, amend, and rescind suitable rules to carry out the provisions of this chapter, and the policies and practices of the commission in connection therewith.” RCW 49.60.120(3) (hyperlinks added).
CREDIT TRANSACTIONS — DEFINITION OF MARITAL STATUS
WAC 162-40-041 is the relevant regulation, and it defines the term “marital status” as follows:
For purposes of this regulation, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following definitions apply:
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(16) “Marital status” is defined in RCW 49.60.040(7).
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WAC 162-40-041 (emphasis added) (hyperlink added). According to RCW 49.60.040(17), the term “Marital Status” is defined as the legal status of being married, single, separated, divorced, or widowed. Id.
LEARN MORE
If you would like to learn more, then consider contacting an experienced Washington State Employment Discrimination Attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case. Please note: the information contained in this article is not offered as legal advice and will not form an attorney-client relationship with Law Office of Gregory A. Williams, P.S., Inc.; Williams Law Group, PS; or the author of this article. Please see our DISCLAIMER.
–gw