Which of the following is NOT a recognized ground for discrimination?

Occupation is not a recognized ground for discrimination under human rights legislation, such as the Ontario Human Rights Code. While discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, and disability is explicitly prohibited and recognized as grounds for discrimination, occupation does not fall under these legal protections.

The rationale behind this distinction is that the other mentioned categories are considered inherent characteristics of individuals, often linked to their identity and personal attributes, which society has a responsibility to protect against discrimination. On the other hand, occupation relates to a person’s job or professional role, which can change over time and is not viewed in the same light as these inherent characteristics.

Understanding the legal framework helps clarify why certain categories are protected against discrimination, focusing on promoting equality and preventing discrimination based on fixed and identifiable characteristics of individuals.