protected category

[/prəˈtɛktɪd ˈkætəɡɔri/]
nounpl: protected categories
categoria protegida
1. A group of people identified by specific characteristics (such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation) who are legally protected from discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations
Race, religion, and gender are protected categories under civil rights law.
Raça, religião e gênero são categorias protegidas pela lei de direitos civis.
2. In legal and employment contexts, a classification that receives special legal safeguards against discriminatory treatment
The company must ensure fair treatment for employees in all protected categories.
A empresa deve garantir tratamento justo para funcionários em todas as categorias protegidas.
This is primarily legal terminology used in employment law, civil rights discourse, and diversity initiatives. In Brazil, it relates to Lei nº 7.716/1989 (anti-racism law) and other employment protections. In the USA, it stems from Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent legislation. The term is essential in HR, legal, and policy contexts in both countries.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
protected classprotected groupdesignated groupspecially protected status
Antonyms / Antônimos
unprotected categorynon-protected class

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
categoria protegida
Standard legal terminology in Brazilian employment and civil rights law
Portugal
categoria protegida
Used in Portuguese employment law and anti-discrimination legislation
USA
protected category / protected class
Fundamental term in US civil rights and employment law, especially Title VII and other federal statutes

Related Words

discriminationcivil rightsequal opportunityemployment lawaffirmative actiondiversityinclusion

Related Idioms & Phrases

fall under a protected category
recognized protected category
members of protected categories
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