In a recent and landmark ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court mandated protections for LGBTQ workers. These workers now have federal protection against discrimination at work, making it illegal for employers to discriminate because of sexual orientation, transgender status and a workers’ sex. This ruling represents a major victory for those who have been advocating for the rights for these workers for decades. The court upheld rulings from lower courts declaring that discrimination due to sexual orientation was a violation of employment laws.
This now means that Florida employers cannot factor an employee’s sexual orientation into decisions made at any point in the employment process. This includes hiring decisions, promotions, trainings, opportunities for advancements and termination decisions. In many ways, the civil rights movement laid the groundwork for this important ruling.
There is still some unknown in how this ruling will be enforced and what it means for those who are facing difficulties in their jobs because of their sexual orientation. The U.S. Department of Justice did state that an employer is not violating the law if he or she treats men in same-sex relationships the same as women in same-sex relationships. Employees who may be facing discrimination in their jobs may want to learn more about what this ruling could mean for them.
Florida LGBTQ employees who experience discrimination at work do not have to suffer in silence. They may have grounds to move forward with a civil claim against their employers because of what they experienced. An assessment of the individual case can help an individual understand what legal options are available and what to do about it.