Groundbreaking EEOC Ruling Protects LGBT Workers from Sexual Orientation Discrimination
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workers have recently been granted new protections at work as a result of a ruling handed down by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on July 16, 2015.
The ruling specifically stated that “sexual orientation discrimination is sex discrimination because it necessarily entails treating an employee less favorably because of the employee’s sex.” Under the provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, discriminating against employees on the basis of “race, color, religion, sex and national origin” is against the law. Now that the EEOC has specifically explained that it views sexual orientation as a form of sex discrimination, LGBT workers may now be able to enjoy protections under the Civil Rights Act.
A Look at the Case that Led to this EEOC Ruling
The case that led to this groundbreaking EEOC ruling was filed by an unnamed worker at Miami International Airport against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to the complaint, the worker alleged being the victim of workplace discrimination because he was gay.
In addition to being told that he was a “distraction in the radar room” by a supervisor, the plaintiff also reportedly was told that his coworkers didn’t “need to hear about all that gay stuff.” Eventually, the plaintiff was overlooked for a promotion due to his sexuality, this case alleged.
Reactions to the EEOC Ruling for LGBT Workers
The EEOC ruling in favor of the plaintiff in this case has garnered a lot of attention, with many activists supporting the Commission’s progressive decision.
As the president of the Human Rights Campaign, Chad Griffin, has stated:
Discrimination has no place in America, plain and simple…This historic ruling by the EEOC makes clear they agree workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, much like gender identity, is illegal.
The director of the ACLU has expressed similar sentiments, noting that the EEOC ruling is “a monumental step forward” for American workers.
Contact the Los Angeles Discrimination Lawyers at Broslavsky & Weinman, LLP
If you have been the victim of sex discrimination at work, you can turn to the experienced Los Angeles discrimination lawyers at Broslavsky & Weinman, LLP for experienced help pursuing justice and compensation.
To find out more about how we can help you, contact us today to set up a free initial consult with one of our Los Angeles employment lawyers. You can call our firm at (310) 575-2550 or email us using the contact form on this page to schedule this meeting.
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