(1) The state of Montana is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation or political beliefs unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) . The state of Montana's prohibition of discrimination includes discrimination in hiring, firing, promotions, compensation, job assignments and other terms, conditions or privileges of employment.

(2) Any employee or applicant for employment with the state of Montana who believes he or she has been subjected to discrimination based upon any of these factors may contact the department EEO officer and also may contact the Montana human rights bureau and/or the federal equal employment opportunity commission (EEOC) . Jurisdiction to address any one of the above types of discrimination complaints varies. For example, neither the EEOC nor the Montana human rights bureau considers discrimination complaints based on sexual orientation.