The law can be slow to catch up sometimes, but we are fortunate that we live in a time where LGBTQ+ employees have more rights and protections than ever. The federal and state governments have both passed laws that can protect workers from discrimination based on certain characteristics, and in many cases that includes those with a different sexual orientation or gender identity. If you believe that you have faced discrimination or harassment in the workplace, then you should speak to a Los Angeles sexual orientation discrimination lawyer.
Does Federal Law Protect LGBTQ+ Employees From Discrimination?
Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act is meant to protect workers from discrimination on the basis of sex and other characteristics that an employee or potential employee cannot control. Some courts have also interpreted this to mean that LGBTQ+ employees are also protected from discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Does California Law Protect LGBTQ+ Employees?
California is known as one of the more progressive states, so it probably is not a surprise that the state does protect the rights of LGBTQ+ employees through its Civil Rights Department. State law explicitly prohibits employers from discriminating based on sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, or gender expression.
What Should LGBTQ+ Employees Do When They Are Being Discriminated Against?
If you suspect that you are being discriminated against, document everything. Write down what happened to you and when. If you have correspondence, like emails or texts, that show evidence of harassment, hold onto them. Once you report this behavior to HR, note when the report was made and if anything changed. If you are retaliated against due to your complaint, document that as well.
If making a report to your workplace does not curb the behavior, then it may be time to report your employer.
How Does the Government Investigate LGBTQ+ Discrimination?
California residents can make a complaint to the Civil Rights Department. They can also contact the federal government, more specifically the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Both of these entities are prepared to investigate complaints against employers who have violated laws about discrimination and civil rights.
This is actually a good time to get a lawyer, if you do not have one already. Our attorneys have experience filing these complaints. We can help you make a convincing argument and ensure that you have all of the evidence needed to get the state or federal government’s attention. There is no guarantee that there will be an investigation, but we can give you your best shot at fixing this problem.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are ready to report a problem at your workplace, you do not have to go it alone. Instead, contact RD Law Group and schedule a consultation with our team. We can tell you more about what a lawyer can do to assist you and how we will help you fight to make things right.
