Sexual Orientation Discrimination
Sexual orientation discrimination occurs when an employee’s (or applicant’s) sexual orientation is a factor in an employer’s decision or action (e.g., hiring, firing, pay raise, promotion, etc.) regarding that employee.
Federal law does not presently cover sexual orientation discrimination. New York State and New York City law, however, prohibit such discrimination and retaliation against an employee for complaining about it. The law applies to New York businesses with four or more employees. Additionally, New York City law protects transgender employees (and job applicants), as well as those who suffer discrimination on the basis of their gender identity.
Legal Editor: Eric M. Nelson, January 2015 (updated July 2020)
Changes may occur in this area of law. The information provided is brought to you as a public service with the help and assistance of volunteer legal editors, and is intended to help you better understand the law in general. It is not intended to be legal advice regarding your particular problem or to substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
Our Lawyers
Dan B.
LRS Lawyer
Our lawyers are screened and approved – they have all gone through an application and interview process. Each lawyer we recommend has been screened for significant experience, knowledge of ethics codes and rules, and law office practices, including customer service skills and handling of fees and billing.
About Us
When you call us, you will be speaking with an attorney. One of our attorney referral counselors takes your call and talks with you about your legal question, or reviews your online referral request. There is no charge to speak with one of our attorney referral counselors -- we’re here to help.