LGBTQIA+ Discrimination and Harassment

While the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights has made notable advancements, discrimination and harassment against LGBTQIA+ individuals persist. As advocates for justice and equality, we are committed to safeguarding the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals. This article outlines the current landscape of LGBTQIA+ discrimination and harassment, reviews key legal protections, and explains how our law firm can assist those facing such challenges.

Discrimination and harassment against LGBTQIA+ individuals can take various forms. Despite legal progress, the reality remains harsh for many:

• A report by the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) reveals that over one in four transgender individuals have faced a bias-driven assault, with higher rates among transgender women and transgender people of color.

• The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) reports that 47% of LGBTQIA+ individuals experience workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

These statistics reflect the ongoing nature of discrimination and harassment, highlighting the need for continued legal protection and advocacy.

LGBTQIA+ Discrimination Federal Laws

• The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII:

  • Interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court in Bostock v. Clayton County (2020), Title VII now protects employees against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

• The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act (2009):

  • Expands federal hate crime laws to include crimes motivated by a victim’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

The legal landscape surrounding LGBTQIA+ rights has evolved, providing increased protection against discrimination and harassment.

California Laws

California has some of the most comprehensive laws protecting LGBTQIA+ rights. Key statutes include:

• The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA):

  • This act prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on various protected characteristics, including sexual orientation and gender identity. Section 12940 of FEHA outlines unlawful practices such as discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

• The Gender Nondiscrimination Act (AB 887):

  • This amendment to FEHA includes gender identity and expression as protected characteristics, ensuring protection against discrimination based on gender identity or expression.

• The Unruh Civil Rights Act:

  • This law guarantees full and equal access to public accommodations regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

• Senate Bill 179 (Gender Recognition Act):

  • This law, signed in 2017, allows Californians to select a non-binary gender option on state-issued identification, facilitating document alignment for transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals.

• Senate Bill 396 (LGBTQ Workplace Training):

  • Employers with 50 or more employees must now provide training on harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

Despite these protections, challenges remain in effectively addressing LGBTQIA+ discrimination. Enforcement often relies on individuals coming forward, and many fear retaliation. Our law firm is here to alleviate those concerns and fight for your rights.

Contact Us Today

We are committed to defending your legal rights under the law.

Our law firm takes pride in representing LGBTQIA+ individuals facing discrimination or harassment.

Discrimination and harassment against LGBTQIA+ individuals violate both human rights and the principles of equality and justice.

Our law firm is committed to leading the charge against these injustices.

If you or someone you know is experiencing discrimination or harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity, we are here to assist.

Contact us today to understand your rights and learn how we can advocate on your behalf to to secure justice and to establish legal precedents that benefit the broader LGBTQIA+ community.