Puerto Rico law

Civil Rights Laws in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico civil rights are protected by the Puerto Rico Constitution (1952) — which contains an expansive Bill of Rights — and by federal law (§ 1983, Title VII, ADA, Fair Housing Act, etc. all apply). Puerto Rico's employment-discrimination statute (Act No. 100 of 1959) is broad and predates most U.S. state statutes. Puerto Rico explicitly protects sexual orientation and gender identity (Act No. 22-2013). Puerto Rico's Constitution prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, birth, social origin or condition, and political or religious beliefs. The U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico handles federal civil-rights cases.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Statute of Limitations

1 year (PR civil); 180/300 days (EEOC)PR Act No. 100 of 1959; 29 L.P.R.A. §§ 146 et seq.

PR civil rights/employment discrimination claims generally subject to 1-year statute of limitations under Act No. 100. Federal EEOC complaints must be filed within 180/300 days.

State law

Key Puerto Rico Statutes

Puerto Rico Constitution Bill of RightsPR Const. Art. II

Puerto Rico's Constitution (1952) contains an expansive Bill of Rights prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, birth, social origin or condition, and political or religious beliefs. Also guarantees dignity of the human being and equal protection.

Act No. 100 of 1959 (Employment Discrimination)29 L.P.R.A. §§ 146 et seq.

Prohibits employment discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, social or national origin, social condition, political affiliation, or political ideas. Applies to employers with 1+ employees (broader than Title VII).

Act No. 22 of 2013 (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity)29 L.P.R.A. §§ 146b et seq.

Added sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in employment discrimination. Puerto Rico has explicit SOGI protections under both commonwealth law and post-Bostock federal interpretation.

Act No. 44 of 1985 (Persons with Disabilities)1 L.P.R.A. §§ 501 et seq.

Prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, public services, and public accommodations. State-law analog to ADA.

State law

Official Sources

PR Department of Labor — Anti-Discrimination Unit U.S. EEOC

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Puerto Rico.

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Civil Rights Laws in Puerto Rico.

Statute of Limitations

Key Puerto Rico Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

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