Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyers in Long Island, NY
Protecting Employees Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination in the Workplace in New York
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 a 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.
Call us today at (917) 540-8565 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our Long Island sexual orientation discrimination attorney.
Understanding State & Federal Laws
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.
Long Island Employment Discrimination Attorneys
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Due to a termination letter I received I needed clarification, consultation, and advice on how to move forward. Ricotta & Marks has definitely been the best place to be to help me through the law jargon. Thank you for having my best interests in mind.John L.
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Kel K.
Mr Marks is an amazing lawyer. He is always kind and respectful and there for me whenever I need him. I want to thanks Mr Marks and the firm for everything. I highly recommend you guys. Thanks again for everything.
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Nima D.
This firm cares and knows how to properly assess the merits of your case. I know because I'm an attorney. I had retainer agreement offers from 4 other firms and Ricotta was my 1st choice based on their belief in my case and fair terms.
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J.T.
Tom Ricotta’s sound advice, calm demeanor, and willingness to advocate for your rights was invaluable. I highly recommend Tom’s abilities and am grateful for his assistance.
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Former client
Dear Thomas and Stephen,
I’m writing this letter to express my deep gratitude for your efforts on my case.
Two years ago, I faced distressing and unjust treatment at my former job. I felt powerless to do anything. For several months, my attempts to find a lawyer were unsuccessful and many doors were closed in my face by firms that felt my case was too inconsequential to take on. In the face of discrimination at work, this process added to my discouragement and I learned the harsh reality of the legal system: not everyone can get help. Sometimes injustices slip through the cracks.
Thankfully, I did find a silver lining. You accepted my case and over many months patiently endured this legal process alongside me, sacrificing your time and effort to achieve a favorable outcome. Your legal assistance has empowered me, a person who has been marginalized systemically many times before, to believe that justice can prevail. It has helped restore my sense of dignity and reminded me that I don’t have to be afraid to stand up for myself. It has permanently changed my life for the better.
As you continue defending other client’s rights, I hope you know the powerful and positive impact you are creating in their lives. I wish you both many blessings and continued success in your legal work.
With the deepest gratitude,
Thank you very much.
What Does LGBTQ Discrimination Look Like?
Every situation is unique. Sexual orientation discrimination comes in a wide variety of 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.
What Evidence is Needed in a Sexual Orientation Discrimination Claim?
Direct Evidence
- Emails, text messages, or letters in which a supervisor or coworker expresses bias against your sexual orientation.
- Verbal comments made by managers or colleagues that indicate prejudice, such as jokes or derogatory statements.
- Policies or memos that explicitly exclude or disadvantage LGBTQ+ employees.
Circumstantial Evidence
- Comparative treatment: Showing that employees with similar qualifications but a different sexual orientation were treated more favorably.
- Patterns of behavior: Documentation that management consistently ignored or penalized LGBTQ+ employees.
- Timing of adverse actions: Evidence that negative employment actions occurred shortly after your sexual orientation became known.
Documentation of Adverse Actions
- Termination notices, demotion letters, or performance evaluations.
- Denials of promotions, raises, or benefits.
- Records of harassment, bullying, or hostile work environment incidents.
Witness Statements
- Colleagues, coworkers, or supervisors who witnessed discriminatory behavior or harassment can provide supporting testimony. Written statements or affidavits can be especially persuasive.
Reports to HR or Management
- Keep copies of emails, complaint forms, or any responses from the employer.
- Records of internal investigations can show whether the employer took your complaint seriously.
Expert or Statistical Evidence (if relevant)
- Pay disparities or promotion trends among LGBTQ+ employees.
- Surveys or studies about workplace culture within the company.
Legal Considerations
- Make sure all evidence is legally obtained and preserved.
- Keep a timeline of events: dates, locations, people involved, and what was said or done.
- Sexual orientation discrimination claims are often filed under Title VII (federal law) or state anti-discrimination laws, depending on your location.
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We’re committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you’re treated with the respect and fairness you deserve, free from discrimination and harassment.
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:
- Carefully review your sexual orientation discrimination claim and any related sex or gender discrimination issues;
- Listen to your story in detail and answer your questions about your rights and options;
- Gather the evidence and information you need to support your claim and respond to your employer’s defenses;
- Take all necessary steps to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome under New York and federal law.
Sexual orientation discrimination claims should be handled with the utmost level of dignity, care, and personal attention. With more than 35 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.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
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$15 MIL Plaintiff on Bianco v. Flushing Hospital Medical Center
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$1 MIL Olsen, et al. v. The County of Nassau, et al.
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$875K Wallace v. Suffolk County Police Department
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$523K Penniston v. The New York City Department of Education
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Norton v. Town of Islip UFSD, 011 U.S. Dist
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Green v. City of New York 2010 U.S. Dist.
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 (917) 540-8565 for a confidential initial consultation with our sexual orientation discrimination lawyers in Long Island. 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.
