Employees are Protected Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination in the Workplace
At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., our sexual orientation discrimination lawyers in Long Island are passionate, justice-focused advocates for employees. Sexual orientation discrimination is unacceptable and unlawful. All workers deserve fair treatment. If you or your family member was victim of sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace, we will protect your rights.
We are not far removed from a time when gay, lesbian, and bisexual employees had virtually no protections in the workplace. Fortunately, the world has changed for the better. LGBTQ employees in Long Island are protected from sexual orientation discrimination under both state and federal labor law:
- New York Law: The Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) is a New York state statute that expressly protects employees on the basis of sexual orientation. Under the law, workers are protected against discrimination on the basis of actual and perceived LGBTQ status. If you were discriminated against due to your sexual orientation, you may have a legal claim under SONDA. Additionally, Under The New York State Human Rights Law (N.Y. Human Rights Law § 296.1), workers are entitled to equal opportunity as a civil right and they cannot be discriminated against because of “age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, marital status, or disability.”
- Federal Law: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the primary federal law that prohibits discrimination in the workplace. Notably, until very recently, sexual orientation was not interpreted by federal courts as a protected characteristic under this statute. However, in 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that Title VII’s prohibition on sex discrimination by definition also bars discriminatory treatment based on sexual orientation.
The Bottom Line: LGBTQ employees in Long Island are entitled to a safe, secure work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and mistreatment. Your sexual orientation should never be used to deny you equal treatment or fair access to opportunities. Discrimination cannot be allowed to persist. As an employee, you have the right to forcefully stand up for yourself and push back against discriminatory practices.
What Does LGBTQ Discrimination Look Like?
Every situation is unique. Sexual orientation discrimination comes in a wide variety of different forms. In some cases, it is blatant. In other cases, it is subtle. Any LGBTQ employee who was treated less favorably than their co-workers because of their sexual orientation was the victim of discrimination. You may have been the victim of sexual orientation discrimination if:
- You were denied a job;
- You were passed over for a promotion;
- You were paid less than similarly-qualified co-workers;
- You were unfairly suspended or disciplined when co-workers were not;
- You were forced to endure harassment in the workplace; or
- You were terminated.
It is sexual orientation discrimination if the reason that you suffered adverse treatment was, at least in part, because of your LGBTQ status. You deserve a fair workplace. If you have any specific questions about your case or discrimination laws in general, contact our Long Island sexual orientation attorneys for immediate help.
Trust the New York Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyers at Ricotta & Marks
Unfortunately, sexual orientation discrimination remains a serious problem. At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., we fight to ensure that all workers get fair and equal opportunities. Who you love should not be used against you in the workplace. If you were a victim of discrimination, take immediate action. When you call our firm, you will have an opportunity to consult with a Long Island employment law attorney who will:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of your sexual orientation discrimination claim;
- Listen to your story and answer your questions;
- Gather the evidence and information you need support your claim; and
- Take all necessary steps to protect your rights and get you the best outcome.
Sexual orientation discrimination claims should be handled with the utmost level of dignity, care, and personal attention. With more than 30 years of combined employment law experience, our Long Island sexual orientation discrimination and harassment lawyers are always ready to go to court when an employer fails to offer a fair settlement.
Contact Ricotta & Marks, P.C. Sexual Orientation Discrimination Attorneys Today
At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., our New York employment lawyers have the skill and expertise to represent you in your sexual orientation discrimination claim. If you or your loved one suffered sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace, we are ready to protect your rights. Contact our firm today at 347-464-8694 for a confidential initial consultation. We represent workers in sexual orientation discrimination claims throughout Long Island, including in New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Hempstead, Long Beach, Glen Cove, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Babylon, Brookhaven, and Islip.