Which characteristic can be a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification?

Which characteristic can be a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification?

• A. Race
• B. Age
• C. Gender
• D. Political affiliation

Answer: (C)

Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) is a narrow exception that allows an employer to hire on the basis of a protected characteristic only when that trait is essential to the job’s duties or the safety/privacy of others. Among the options, gender fits this exception because there are limited jobs where being a specific gender is truly necessary to perform the role or protect privacy and safety (for example, certain intimate-care or single-gender context roles, or specific gender-relevant performance in entertainment). Race and political affiliation are not justifiable BFOQs under anti-discrimination laws, and age is generally protected as well, with only very narrow, clearly defined situations where it could apply. Therefore, gender is the correct choice.

Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ) is a narrow exception that allows an employer to hire on the basis of a protected characteristic only when that trait is essential to the job’s duties or the safety/privacy of others. Among the options, gender fits this exception because there are limited jobs where being a specific gender is truly necessary to perform the role or protect privacy and safety (for example, certain intimate-care or single-gender context roles, or specific gender-relevant performance in entertainment).

Race and political affiliation are not justifiable BFOQs under anti-discrimination laws, and age is generally protected as well, with only very narrow, clearly defined situations where it could apply. Therefore, gender is the correct choice.