There is no denying the fact that workplace discrimination is still a big problem despite the fact that most companies realize this is not something they should be doing. For one reason or the next, many employers decide against their better judgment and make an error when it comes to discriminating against an employee or job applicant.
No matter where you live, from California to New York and everywhere in between, you will want to keep a close watch on a bill that is meant to outlaw workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation.
For the time being, the bill is moving in the right direction, thanks to the fact that seven Republicans have crossed party lines as they are interested in beginning debate related to the bill.
With a 61-30 vote, this is the first time since 1996 that the full Senate will look into extending federal nondiscrimination laws to include lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals. With this in mind, it goes a long way in showing that the public, as a whole, is becoming more comfortable with gay rights.
At this time, there are federal laws in place to protect people against workplace discrimination related to religion, race and a variety of other factors. That being said, it is still legal in many states to fire somebody or refuse to hire them due to their sexual orientation. There are only 21 states, along with the District of Columbia, that offer any protection. If this bill is passed, the existing federal nondiscrimination laws would be extended to include lesbian, gay and bisexual individuals.
Nobody has the right to be discriminated against in the workplace, and federal law could be changing in the near future to protect against discrimination related to sexual orientation. Anybody who feels they have been discriminated against at their place of employment has specific rights afforded to them by law. An employment attorney can provide advice and options.
Source:
New York Times, “Bill Advances to Outlaw Discrimination Against Gays” Jeremy Peters, Nov. 04, 2013
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