Winter 2006-07
A new website, www.servicemembers.gov, has been launched to help safeguard the civilian employment rights, voting rights and financial security of servicemembers and veterans. The website is a partnership between the U.S. Justice Department and other federal agencies that oversee these protections, offering information and resources about three laws passed specifically to protect servicemembers:
- The Uniformed Services and Re-employment Rights Act (USERRA) prohibits employers from discriminating or retaliating against an employee or applicant because of past, present or future military obligation.
- The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) requires that states allow certain groups of citizens, including servicemembers and their families, to register and vote absentee in a timely manner in elections for federal offices.
- The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides civil protections for military personnel while on active duty.
The site provides information and links, and answers frequently asked questions involving rights and protections. The site also provides directions to file complaints with the Justice Department and other agencies that investigate and prosecute possible civil rights violations.