Employment discrimination statutes vary widely across jurisdictions but may protect individuals based on their membership in the following classes: race, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, age, military status, ancestry, marital status, physical appearance, genetic status, family responsibilities, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Some of these protections are evolving. As an example, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 explicitly covers race, color, religion, sex, and national origin — but it has been interpreted to prohibit discrimination against employees because of their ancestry, culture, and linguistic characteristics, as well as sexual orientation and gender identity.