On May 15, 2002, Congress enacted the "Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act," or No FEAR Act, for the purpose of protecting the rights of employees, former employees and applicants for federal employment under federal antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws.
Discrimination based on age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, or an act of reprisal is illegal. While not specifically referenced in the No FEAR Act Notice, discrimination based on sexual orientation or status as a parent is prohibited by Executive Order 11478, as amended.