Though the act won't protect working women employed by smaller businesses - the majority - it sets a valuable standard.

The act also protects young people by restricting the age of purchase.

Yet even when the state takes properly limited acts to protect freedom, tradition will necessarily shape every such decision.

The act protects a military service member who makes a "protected communication" regarding a violation of law or regulation.

Every person has one or more of the protected characteristics, so the act protects everyone against unfair treatment.

This act protected the works for 30 years after the death of the author, and included fair use provisions.

The act, they say, protects the nation's sealift capability and its ability to produce commercial ships.

The act also protects employees who engage in a "concerted activity".

"It's our position the act does not protect her," said Palmer Williams, a lawyer for the organization.