US President Bill Clinton has barred federal agencies from discriminating against their employees on the basis of genetic tests.

The move aimed to allay fears that employers and others could abuse advances in medical research.

Mr Clinton said it was time to consider the consequences of the rapid progress in human genetics.

"This extraordinary march of human understanding imposes on us a profound responsibility to make sure that the age of discovery can continue to reflect our most cherished values," he told the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

"We must protect our citizens' privacy - the bulwark of personal liberty, the safeguard of individual creativity."

Discrimation

White House spokesman Joe Lockhart said the executive order looked ahead five years to a time when a person's genetic make-up may be more readily available.

That has raised concerns that such information could be used against those who are likely to suffer from cancer, diabetes, heart disease or other ailments.

Mr Clinton also supported pending bills, which would prohibit all employers from refusing to hire people at risk for health problems and insurers from refusing to sell them coverage.

The president said concerns about the use of genetic information could discourage people from seeking crucial tests that would improve their lives.

"If we do not protect the right to privacy, we may actually impede the reach of these breakthroughs in the lives of ordinary people, which would be a profound tragedy."

Predisposition

The order prohibits federal employers from requiring or requesting genetic tests as a condition of being hired or receiving benefits.

Employers would also be prohibited from denying staff promotions or overseas posts because of a genetic predisposition for certain illness.

Obtaining or disclosing genetic information is banned, except when necessary to provide medical treatment to employees, insure workplace health and safety, or provide data to occupation and health researchers.