Sexual Orientation Discrimination In The Workplace Laws

For More Information, Contact An Employment Lawyer With More Than 32 Years Handling Workplace Discrimination Cases

Employment discrimination based on perceived or actual sexual orientation is unlawful. However, Texas and federal discrimination laws protecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people from workplace discrimination are not always clear. But, what is clear is that all Texas employees have rights. Allen discrimination lawyer Dan A. Atkerson has practiced law for more than 32 years. A significant portion of his legal career has been handling Texas employment law claims for discrimination. He has experience fighting for hundreds of North Texas employees who were unlawfully discriminated against. Some of these were due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

If you have experienced sexual orientation discrimination or gender identity discrimination in the workplace, then reach out to us for a free attorney consultation. You do not have to suffer discrimination or harassment at work because of your sexual orientation or gender identity.

Sexual Orientation Discrimination According to Federal Law

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees from workplace discrimination based on race, sex, national origin, age, religion and disability. While there is no explicit category for sexual orientation, the law may be evolving. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has held that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals alleging sex stereotyping may have employment law claims for gender discrimination.

Some discrimination laws do protect against employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. However, these are only for federal government workers and they do not apply to private sector employees. But, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered workers may still have other options for legal protections against unlawful sexual harassment, regardless if the perpetrator or victim is a man or a woman.

Does Collin County Have Sexual Orientation Ordinances? Texas Employment Laws

Texas state law does not protect employees from discrimination at work due to sexual orientation or gender identity. However, employees may have actionable claims under other employment and labor laws for sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace. This may include filing legal action for wrongful termination, workplace retaliation and sexual harassment. Discrimination at work can also create a hostile work environment from defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress caused by sexual orientation discrimination.

The City Charter, or constitution, of Dallas does protect city employees against discrimination based on sexual orientation among other protected classes in a non-discrimination amendment passed in 2014. Dallas also prohibits discrimination because of sexual orientation and gender identity expression in its Equal Employment Opportunity Policy for employees of the city.

Hopefully, these legal protections will one day benefit private sector employees as well. Were you the victim of sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination at work in North Dallas? You still have rights that our Texas employment lawyer can help protect. Call us now to set up that free consultation at (214)383-3606.