Hepatitis carriers fight job discrimination

CHONGQING: Millions of Hepatitis B virus carriers will have their employment rights legally protected under a new regulation being drafted in Chongqing.

After several Chinese cities brought similar regulations into effect, Chongqing authorities are soliciting public opinion on a draft law. The draft now says carriers of communicable diseases, including Hepatitis B, could sue prospective employers for not giving them a chance for a job, just because they are a carrier.

"Employers can easily manipulate the recruitment process. Once they know you are affected with the virus, they can find countless reasons not to hire you," said Wang Xianli, a lawyer with Zhonghui Law Firm specializing in civil laws.