What does the Civil Service Reform Act (1978) prohibit with respect to personnel actions?

The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 primarily focuses on establishing a merit-based system for public sector employment and includes various provisions aimed at protecting employees and applicants from discrimination. One of the key aspects of the Act is its prohibition of discrimination based on conduct, which indeed includes protections related to sexual orientation.

This Act built upon earlier civil service reforms and sought to enhance fairness and equality within federal employment practices. While it does not explicitly mention sexual orientation in its text, subsequent interpretations and amendments of civil rights laws have expanded the understanding of discrimination to include sexual orientation under the umbrella of conduct and behavior.

The other options, though they touch on important aspects of workplace discrimination, may not directly align with the specific prohibitions of the Civil Service Reform Act. Age discrimination is covered under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, marital status may be addressed in broader anti-discrimination legislation rather than the specific Civil Service Reform Act, and nationality discrimination is generally governed by laws such as the Immigration and Nationality Act.

In summary, the Civil Service Reform Act includes protections against various forms of discrimination aimed at creating a more equitable workplace, with the prohibition against discrimination based on conduct, including sexual orientation, being a notable aspect of its legacy.