LGBTQ rights are protected by state and federal laws in California. If you’ve faced discrimination, contact a LGBTQIA+ discrimination attorney at Setyan Law.
Employers are prohibited from discriminating against workers based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, transgender status, HIV/AIDS status, and other characteristics. However, employees often face issues at work from supervisors, coworkers, clients, and others. If you believe you’ve been treated poorly, the Los Angeles LGBTQ discrimination lawyers at Setyan Law can help. We will evaluate your case, gather evidence, and aggressively fight for your rights.
Who Has LGBTQ Rights in the California Workplace?
California laws protect individuals who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community against discrimination in the community. LGBTQ rights discrimination includes anyone how has been treated unfairly because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Discrimination against LGBTQ people often occurs regarding the following groups:
- Lesbian women
- Gay males
- Bisexual men and women
- Nonbinary people
- Androgenous people
- Transgender individuals
Anyone who identifies as a person within the LGBTQ community has protections under California laws.
LGBTQ Laws Against Workplace Discrimination in California
Both the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the federal Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibit employers from firing, demoting, failing to hire, harassing, or otherwise discriminating against people based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act
FEHA applies to all employers with five or more employees. It specifically prohibits discrimination, retaliation, and harassment in all stages of employment. Before filing an LGBTQ discrimination lawsuit based on FEHA, you must file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). It’s important to note that FEHA allows you to recover unlimited damages for your losses.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees. Prior to filing a lawsuit based on Title VII rights, you must file a complaint with the federal agency Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Title VII does place limits on compensatory and punitive damages against employers.
Examples of LGBTQ Discrimination in the Workplace
Anti-LGBTQ laws against workplace discrimination protect employees who face wrongful treatment. Some examples of discrimination against LGBTQ workers include the following:
- Questions about sexual orientation on an application or during an interview
- Constant and purposeful misgendering language
- Workplace dress-codes that target LGBTQ workers or treat them unfairly
- Constant references to sexual orientation or gender identity
- Inappropriate comments or crude jokes about sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression
- Excessive questions about lifestyle and characteristics
- Decisions for promotions, pay rates, demotions, and more based on LGBTQ characteristics
This is only a small sample of actions that may be considered discrimination against gays and people who identify with other LGBTQ groups in the workplace.
A Los Angeles LGBTQ Rights Attorney Can Help You
Some companies make life harder for LGBTQ+ employees. This type of discrimination and harassment is illegal. People in the LGBTQ community, including same-sex partners and trans individual, have rights according to state and federal laws. If you have faced wrongful treatment in the workplace, a Los Angeles discrimination on LGBTQ rights attorney can help you. A Los Angeles employment lawyer can answer your questions.
The professionals at the LGBTQ discrimination law firm of Setyan Law have extensive experience with cases like yours. Call us at (213) 618-3655 for a free initial consultation.
How an Employment Attorney in Los Angeles Can Help You
Employment disputes are about more than winning. They often involve your livelihood and can impact your entire life. Setyan Law has a team of legal professionals and discrimination lawyers in Los Angeles, CA, Pasadena, CA, and Glendale, CA.
We will review your case, gather evidence to support your claims, and fight for you to get the justice you deserve.
Please feel free to call us for a free consultation about your rights.