The Short End of the Stick

Massachusetts Legislature Considers Height and Weight Discrimination Bill

A bill currently before the Massachusetts Legislature would include height and weight bias as a “discrimination” thereby adding an additional burden to already embattled businesses in the Bay State. One phrase comes to mind: “frivolous lawsuits.” Employers look at qualifications, for the most part, allowing that certain positions will take into account physical attributes and health in order to protect an employee (examples: those positions that require a physical exam due to strenuous and or dangerous work). One legislator in favor of the bill has gone so far as to suggest that, without new regulations in place, employers might use height and weight as an excuse not to hire someone who was elderly, gay and/or black. Will it never end?

The only state that currently lists weight and height as discrimination is Michigan (along with municipalities such as San Francisco and Washington). One can find startling similarities in the governing of both Massachusetts and Michigan, to the point where other state legislatures should use them as a model of “what not to include” if one wants to live in a state that is more prosperous and offers a better quality of life to its citizens. The exodus of the population of Massachusetts should offer some insight into what works and what does not. People tend to migrate to states that have better jobs, lower crime rates and less ridiculous governments.

The idea that height would be a consideration for bias is simply ridiculous. As a petite woman, I stand offended! I was taunted, most certainly, as a child and perhaps on occasion as an adult. That said, not once did I feel that my height was a deterrent to acquiring any specific position, or being able to function as well as anyone who might be 6’2”! (Ok, I might need a step-stool or a chair to reach certain items on the shelf – to which I reply – “So what!”) Height is a matter of birth; one’s grandparents, or great-grandparents play a role. Weight on the other hand, may be a matter of choice (except in obvious medical circumstances), regardless, neither should be considered as a disability (which might or might not take taht leap from discrimination thereby adding weight and height to the already burdened entitlement programs in these states.)

Seriously.

This appears to be one more example of why lawyers make such great legislatures; they are constantly promoting legislation that will ultimately benefit their profession.

Story reported here in the Springfield, Massachusetts Republican
(Don’t let the name of the publication fool you.)

Related:

Michigan Population Loss, Michigan.gov



Massachusetts (Boston Globe blames Romney)