Thalassemia gene carriers denied government jobs

GUANGZHOU: Some 31 applicants were denied government department jobs last year because they are thalassemia gene carriers, officials said. And three of those 31 have filed a lawsuit against Foshan government authorities, alleging discrimination.

"Refusing applicants who are thalassemia gene carriers was in accordance with the country's relevant regulations, although all have passed written tests and interviews," said Zhou Jianhua, spokesman for the personnel department of Foshan, Guangdong province.

The Foshan Intermediate People's Court last week accepted the lawsuit, which is believed to be first of its kind in the country. The court has not yet set a date for the trial.