Georgia § 45-19-21 - Purposes and construction of article.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-19-21 — Purposes and construction of article., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 45-19-21. Purposes and construction of article.
The general purposes of this article are: To provide for execution within public employment in the state of the policies embodied in Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 241), as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 (86 Stat. 103), as from time to time amended, the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (81 Stat. 602), as from time to time amended, and the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (87 Stat. 355), as from time to time amended; To safeguard all individuals in public employment from discrimination in employment; and To promote the elimination of discrimination against all individuals in public employment because of such individuals' race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age thereby to promote the protection of their interest in personal dignity and freedom from humiliation; to make available to the state their full productive capacities; to secure the state against domestic strife and unrest which would menace its democratic institutions; to preserve the public safety, health, and general welfare; and to further the interests, rights, and privileges of individuals within the state. This article shall be broadly construed to further the general purposes stated in this Code section and the special purposes of the particular provision involved. Nothing in this article shall be construed as indicating an intent to exclude local or federal laws on the same subject matter, which laws are not inconsistent with this article. Nothing contained in this article shall be deemed to repeal any other nonconflicting law of this state relating to discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age. (Ga. L. 1978, p. 859, § 2; Ga. L. 1983, p. 1097, § 1; Ga. L. 1990, p. 8, § 45; Ga. L. 1995, p. 1302, § 10.) U.S. Code. - The Civil Rights Act of 1964, referred to in this Code section, is codified as 42 U.S.C. § 2000a et seq. The Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972, referred to in this Code section, is codified as 42 U.S.C. § 2000e et seq. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, referred to in this Code section, is codified as 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, referred to in this Code section, is codified as 29 U.S.C. § 701 et seq. Law reviews. - For article, "Gender and Justice in the Courts: A Report to the Supreme Court of Georgia by the Commission on Gender Bias in the Judicial System," see 8 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 539 (1992).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 45-19-21
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-19-21 cover?
Section 45-19-21 ("Purposes and construction of article.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 45-19-21?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 45-19-21" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 45-19-21 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.