Sexual Orientation Discrimination in the Workplace
Unlawful discrimination in the workplace can be based on many factors. A growing problem in companies over the past few decades has been discrimination or harassment based on a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This type of discriminatory behavior is illegal in Colorado workplaces because it directly violates state law.
Discriminatory behavior is unlawful whether it is based on a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation. Even if an employer is mistaken regarding its assumption of an employee’s or potential employee’s sexual orientation, discriminatory actions still break the law. Ultimately, real or perceived sexual orientation should have no effect on any employment decisions of any kind.
Though the federal government has not yet passed a law protecting employees from sexual orientation discrimination, Colorado state law does. State law deems it unlawful to harass or take discriminatory action against employees on the basis of sexual orientation. If you have suffered sexual orientation discrimination in Colorado, you need to consult with a Colorado employment law attorney at our firm as soon as possible. Time is of the essence in discrimination claims, so do not delay in seeking legal representation from one of our attorneys if you believe you have a potential discrimination case.
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Sexual Orientation Discrimination in Colorado
In recent years, Colorado expanded its Anti-Discrimination Act by passing the Sexual Orientation Employment Discrimination Act (SOEDA). Under this new Act, it is unlawful for an employer to:
- Make pre-employment inquiries regarding an applicant’s sexual preference.
- Have separate lines of job progression or seniority systems for employees based on different sexual orientations.
- Express preferences in job advertisements for employees of a particular sexual orientation.
- Refuse to allow each employee to dress according to the gender with which the employee identifies.
- Refuse to hire, promote, or offer pay raises to an employee based on sexual orientation.
- Discipline, harass, or terminate an employee based on sexual orientation.
Our experienced team of employment attorneys is familiar with all of the new and updated laws regarding sexual orientation discrimination against Colorado employees. If you believe you have been discriminated against, contact our office today.
We have almost 40 years of collective experience in the field of family law and know how to evaluate each individual case. Many of our attorneys attended some of the most prestigious schools and formerly worked for respected law firms throughout the United States. Our team includes former deputy prosecutors, judges, and clerks who are all now dedicated to the practice of employment law.
In cases of sexual orientation discrimination, contact a Colorado employment law attorney at HKM Employment Attorneys today to schedule a private consultation.
