Labor & Employment Law
Sexual Orientation & LGBTQ Discrimination in Florida
Sass Law Firm represents employees in sexual orientation discrimination cases. Even though federal and state laws may not include explicit protections against discrimination based upon sexual orientation, there are several local ordinances scattered throughout Florida that do provide protection for gay, lesbian and/or bisexual employees. Some of the local ordinances also protect transgender employees from discrimination. In addition, in certain circumstances, federal and state laws may be used to challenge discrimination against homosexual or transgender employees even though these protections are not specifically listed in the statutes. We have experience in successfully protecting the rights of individuals who have suffered from LGBTQ discrimination and sexual orientation discrimination. If you feel you have been discriminated against because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, including being subjected to a hostile work environment, and are seeking a remedy for the sexual orientation discrimination, please call Sass Law Firm for a consultation to learn more about your rights and potential remedies.
Sexual Orientation & LGBTQ Harassment and Hostile Work Environment
Even though federal and state laws may not include explicit protections against discrimination based upon sexual orientation, there are several local ordinances scattered throughout Florida that do provide protection for gay, lesbian and/or bisexual employees. Some of the local ordinances also protect transgender employees. In addition, in certain circumstances, federal and state laws may be used to challenge discrimination against homosexual or transgender employees even though these protections are not specifically listed in the statutes. Where there is legal protection, that protection also includes harassment or what is often referred to as a “hostile work environment” claim of discrimination. The law protects against harassment based upon gender regardless of one’s sexual orientation and regardless of whether the harasser is a male harassing another male or a female harassing another female. As long as the harassment is because of the person’s gender, it is unlawful. If you feel you have been harassed or subjected to a hostile work environment because of your gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, please call Sass Law Firm for a consultation to learn more about your rights and potential remedies.
Retaliation
Additionally, if you are retaliated against for complaining about harassment or discrimination, please call Sass Law Firm to schedule a consultation to learn more about your rights and potential remedies.
Sex and Gender Discrimination Frequently Asked Questions
Legal protections vary by location:
- Several local Florida ordinances protect gay, lesbian, and bisexual employees
- Some local ordinances also protect transgender employees
- Federal and state laws may apply in certain circumstances, even without explicit LGBTQ protections
Where protections exist, they cover discrimination based on:
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Gender expression
- Creation of hostile work environments
- Harassment protection includes:
- Gender-based harassment regardless of sexual orientation
- Harassment between individuals of the same or different genders
- Creation of a hostile work environment
- Discriminatory treatment based on sexual orientation or gender identity
A hostile work environment may involve:
- Harassment based on gender
- Harassment based on sexual orientation
- Harassment based on gender identity
- Discriminatory workplace conditions
Note: Protection exists regardless of the gender of the harasser or victim.
Employees are protected from retaliation for:
- Complaining about LGBTQ discrimination
- Reporting sexual orientation harassment
- Reporting gender-based harassment
- Standing up for their rights under applicable laws
Legal protections may vary depending on your location within Florida. Local ordinances may provide additional protections beyond federal and state law.