Sexual Orientation & Sexual Identity Discrimination Violate the Law

Sexual orientation discrimination is all too common in the workplace. Fortunately, New York and New Jersey law prohibit discrimination on the basis of both sexual orientation and sexual identity. As a result, it is illegal if a company refused to hire you, wrongfully terminated you, demoted you, or otherwise discriminated against you because you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or transsexual.

Whether the discrimination is based on conscious bigotry or subconscious bias, it is unlawful for your employer to treat you worse because of your sexual orientation or sexual identity. Similarly, it is impermissible for your company to treat to you worse because you do not meet its assumptions or stereotypes about gender roles or stereotypes.

New York and New Jersey Law Prohibit Employers from Harassing Gays, Lesbians and Bisexual Employees

Harassment is a form of discrimination. By preventing sexual orientation and sexual identity discrimination, New Jersey and New York law also prohibit harassment based on sexual orientation or sexual identity. Harassment due to your sexual orientation can include calling you derogatory names, telling biased jokes, assigning you to less desirable work, isolating you from your peers, or almost any other negative treatment because of your sexual orientation or sexual identity if it creates a hostile work environment.

Sexual orientation harassment is legally actionable if it is severe or occurs frequently enough to create a hostile workplace.

Contact An Employment Lawyer Today

If you have experienced sexual orientation or sexual identity discrimination or harassment at your job, the employment lawyers at The Nirenberg Law Firm can help. Contact us online, or call us at 201 487-2700 or 212 398-7100 to schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced employment law attorneys.