Marital status is protected under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. The Commission describes it as including being single, engaged, married, separated, divorced, widowed or living together in a marriage-like household.
Sources checked September 29, 2026.
What marital status covers
The Commission's current intake guide provides a broad status-based definition. The issue is whether treatment in a prohibited area is connected to that status.
Employment and benefits
Employment policies, benefits or workplace decisions can raise marital-status issues, depending on the rule and statutory context.
Housing and services
A landlord or service provider may also be subject to the Act where treatment is based on marital status in a covered area.
Distinguish related characteristics
Marital status is different from family status, sex and sexual orientation even though a factual situation can involve more than one characteristic.
Official sources
- Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission — Inquiry Form and intake criteria
- Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission — protected characteristics and prohibited areas
- Nova Scotia Legislature — Human Rights Act