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An Act to Add Political Affiliation as a Protected Class in Maine
Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 4:26 AM
In one sentence
This bill proposed adding political affiliation to protected groups under Maine's human rights laws, but it was rejected by lawmakers and is now dead.
What it does
- Proposed adding 'political affiliation' to the list of reasons why discrimination is illegal in employment, housing, education, credit, and public places.
- Defined political affiliation as belonging to or endorsing a party or a specific political philosophy, creed, or ideal.
- Made it unlawful for employers to refuse to hire or fire workers based on their actual or perceived political views.
- Prohibited labor unions from denying membership rights or expelling members because of their political beliefs.
- Exempted political parties and organizations affiliated with them from these new employment rules.
Who it affects
- Employers in Maine who hire workers
- Labor unions that manage memberships and apprenticeships
- Job applicants and current employees regarding their hiring or firing status
Limits and unknowns
- The bill was voted down by the legislature and placed in legislative files as 'DEAD', so it does not become law.
- Political parties are specifically excluded from having to follow these new rules when hiring employees if they were passed.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Protected class
- A group of people that laws say cannot be treated unfairly in areas like jobs, housing, education, credit, or public places.
- Political affiliation
- Belonging to or endorsing a political party or a specific political philosophy, creed, or ideal.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
An Act to Add Political Affiliation as a Protected Class to the Maine Human Rights Act