§ 126-16. Equal opportunity for employment and compensation by State departments and agencies and local political subdivisions.

Article6.

Equal Employment andCompensation Opportunity; Assisting in Obtaining State Employment.

§ 126‑16.  Equalopportunity for employment and compensation by State departments and agenciesand local political subdivisions.

All State departments and agenciesand all local political subdivisions of North Carolina shall give equalopportunity for employment and compensation, without regard to race, religion,color, creed, national origin, sex, age, or handicapping condition as definedin G.S. 168A‑3 to all persons otherwise qualified, except where specificage, sex or physical requirements constitute bona fide occupationalqualifications necessary to proper and efficient administration.  This sectionwith respect to equal opportunity as to age shall be limited to individuals whoare at least 40 years of age. (1971, c. 823; 1975, c. 158;1977, c. 866, s. 7; 1979, c. 862, s. 3; 1983 (Reg. Sess., 1984), c. 1116, s.111; 1985, c. 571, s. 2; 1991, c. 65, s. 6.)