Q: Can employers refuse to hire spouses or partners solely on that basis and dispite the fact that they are qualified?
We are scientists of equal caliber and the job would involve independent research activities at this Fortune 500 company. We could work in a number different departments for different supervisors in different labs. During an initial interview my partner was told he was highly qualified and possesed exactly the skills they were looking for. They subsequently sent him an email that specifically said the hiring process was being terminated solely because of his relationship with me - citing a HR "rule" that forbade hiring spouses or partners with the same "group" which they are defining as inclusive of all scientists working for the company. I think they are simply wrong or mistaken but they have told him their decision is final and there is nothing they can do about it (note: the HR department is actually in another state). Colorado law forbids marriage discrimination in hiring. Colo. Rev. Stat. §24-34-402(1)(h).
A: Each state has different laws, but in general anyone can hire whomever they want as long as they do not run afoul of discrimination laws.
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