The problem is that some, if not most, of the forbidden criteria carry real and useful information, hence there is a ever growing (proportional to the heavy handedness of government or corporate regulations) incentive to find creative ways to covertly take them into account.
Best person for the job =/= best qualified judging only by the allowed criteria
http://www.boingboing.net/2011/01/24/should-employers-be.html