Unfortunately, many gays and lesbians have suffered discrimination, as well as harassment, in the workplace because of their sexual orientation. Sexual orientation discrimination was much more prevalent in years past than today, but it does still occur in the workplace.
Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, discrimination based on certain characteristics is illegal, including sex, race, religion, and more. Title VII does not forbid discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has ruled that job discrimination against gays and lesbians could be considered discrimination based on sex and is therefore illegal. In addition, California has a state law that forbids workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Sexual orientation discrimination occurs when someone is treated differently in the workplace because of his or her sexual orientation or perceived sexual orientation, whether heterosexual or homosexual. An employee may also have a claim if he or she were harassed at work because of sexual orientation. Some examples of conduct that could be considered as illegal sexual orientation discrimination include being fired because of actual or perceived sexual orientation, not being hired or not receiving a promotion because of sexual orientation, being asked not to bring your partner to a company event, or being kept away from customers because of your sexual orientation.
If you have been the victim of sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace, or if you have been harassed in the workplace because of your sexual orientation, you should speak with an attorney. If you are in the Los Angeles area, call Conal Doyle, Los Angeles employment discrimination attorney at 310-385-0567. He can help. Call today to learn more or to schedule a free consultation on your case.