Should there be anti-discrimination laws regarding the obese? Is obesity genetic? Does that matter?

Answer 1

the genetic argument is getting really thin. ok so the gay community got to use it -- that doesn't mean every other minority can lay stake to it -- and when your minority is based on your social disfunction then i think its time to stop looking for something to blame and fix yourself. i don't see much difference between and over-eater and a real alcoholic -- the kind that drink till they black out. if you are spending all your money on jumbo fries then there is a problem thats not exactly genetic there.

if i gave up my nicotine (no love affair was ever greater) then i am sure the morbidly obese can give up their friend chicken and double cheeseburgers.

you can make a healthy meal in the same time it takes to do the drive through at get your supersize on. sloth and gluttony are both deadly sins -- and i don't think the catholic church would buy into the idea that some people are genetically more likely to commit deadly sins than others.

Answer 2

People with obesity are already protected under a set of laws against discrimination called: Americans with Disabilities Act.

If a person is qualified for housing or employment, etc, they are protected by the ADA to have equal opportunity to obtaining what they want and need, just like everyone else.

Of course if a person who is going after a job cannot preform the duties of the position with or without REASONABLE accommodations, they would not be offered the job, just like anyone else.

If a person is being discriminated, there are lawyers out there who can assist an individual to obtain the resolution they seek, depending on their specific situation.

Answer 3

The problem with anti discrimination laws is that there is a fine line between discrimination and being unable to do something. Take flying for instance. An obese person might require 2 seats. Is the airline discriminating for charging them for the space that they use? In the case of job applicants, if the person's size makes it impossible to work within the spacial restrictions should an employer still have to hire them? The problem with legislation is that it tries to force everyone to come to the same conclusion and that doesn't always work.

Also I would add, that whether I'm fat, skinny, white, black, gay, or all of the above...do I really want to work for someone who only hired me because the law said they had to?

Answer 4

Obesity is not a hindrance to seeking and obtaining the job of your dreams. If you are capable of doing the job ie, have the background, training, experience and ability obesity won't hold you back. The only positions that MAY require physical ability are those in the public domain, LEO, firefighter, military and athletics.

Obestity can be a product of environment, genetics or personal behavior. And, it doesn't matter one wit.

I have yet to see discrimination of the obese in the job market place. Besides, there are enough laws on the books and the always available source of lawsuits to correct any perceived defect in any law.

Answer 5

Any one who wants a job can get one.... Where is the discrimination??? What kind of laws do you to expect to be passes for obesity persons.????

Answer 6

I think we have plenty of laws. I'm not a big advocate of throwing everyone a pity party just because life isn't perfect. I've got issues (who doesn't?!), but I deal with them. Most counties have mental health centers and free clinics that could help an obese person deal with thier condition. If they choose to ignore the fact that they are disgustingly fat...that is thier problem, not the governments. Why do we feel that we have to accept everyone for 'who they are'? Isn't it o.k. to say,'Hey. You've got a problem. Fix it.'

Answer 7

If it will be a legal requirement under a universal health care system to get regular checkups, I can envision it becoming illegal to be obese.