STANDING AGAINST DISCRIMINATION BASED ON GENETIC INFORMATION

WHEREAS, scientists have made a great advance by completing a map of the human genome, and while this accomplishment can provide a road map that can aid in the early detection, prevention and treatment of disease, such information, used in the wrong way, could lead to discrimination by employers who might wish to avoid hiring individuals who are genetically predisposed to a variety of conditions; and

WHEREAS, this information could also be misused by benefits providers to avoid providing insurance or other benefits to individuals whose genetic information might deem them as less desirable to the providers; and

WHEREAS, the AFT has a long, proud history of maintaining vigilance against unfair discrimination:

RESOLVED, that the AFT work for legislation that prohibits employers from requiring genetic testing or using genetic information as a condition of employment or promotion and prohibits benefits providers from requiring genetic testing or from using genetic information as a basis of coverage, benefits or premiums.