All employees deserve a workplace that is inclusive, respectful, and free from bias. Yet discrimination based on sexual orientation remains a challenge for many LGBTQ+ individuals. If you’re working in Egg Harbor Township and have faced unequal treatment because of your actual or perceived sexual orientation, know that you are protected by law—and you don’t have to face it alone.
What Is Sexual Orientation Discrimination?
Sexual orientation discrimination involves treating someone unfairly at work because they identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer—or because they are perceived to belong to the LGBTQ+ community. This form of discrimination can impact hiring decisions, pay, promotions, job assignments, and workplace culture.
Examples of Sexual Orientation Discrimination
- Harassment or derogatory remarks about an employee’s orientation
- Excluding LGBTQ+ employees from advancement opportunities
- Firing or demoting an employee after they come out
- Applying different standards or expectations to LGBTQ+ employees
- Denying benefits to same-sex partners or spouses
Your Rights Under New Jersey Law
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) explicitly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. This law protects LGBTQ+ employees from all forms of workplace bias, including harassment and retaliation.
Federal Protections
The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020 decision in Bostock v. Clayton County confirmed that discrimination based on sexual orientation is a form of sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This ruling extends important legal protections to LGBTQ+ workers nationwide.
What to Do If You’ve Been Discriminated Against
- Document the behavior: Keep records of comments, actions, or decisions that demonstrate discriminatory treatment.
- Report the issue internally: File a complaint with HR or through your employer’s official reporting procedures.
- Speak with an employment attorney: If your employer fails to act or retaliates against you, legal help is essential to defend your rights.
Remedies for LGBTQ+ Workers
- Reinstatement or promotion
- Back pay and lost compensation
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages in severe cases
- Coverage of legal fees and court costs
How Castronovo & McKinney Can Help
Castronovo & McKinney, Employment Law Attorneysjustice in cases involving harassment, wrongful termination, benefits denial, and workplace inequality based on sexual orientation.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC Today
You have the right to be who you are—without fear of bias or mistreatment. If you’ve experienced discrimination based on your sexual orientation, contact Castronovo & McKinney today for a confidential consultation. They’ll stand by your side and fight to ensure fairness and accountability.
New Jersey Office
71 Maple Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960
Phone: 973.920.7888
Fax: 973.920.7924
New York Office
420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1830
New York, NY 10170
Phone: 646.755.3781
Fax: 646.755.3781
