LGBT Discrimination At Work Attorney
Statutory protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers in Florida received a setback in May of 2011 when the Competitive Workforce Act (HB 361) died in a subcommittee in the Florida legislature. However, LGBTQ+ workers still have protection under city and county ordinances or under other categories of Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the Florida Civil Rights Act.
If you have been unfairly terminated, demoted, harassed or disciplined at work, contact the Law Office of William M. Julien, P.A., in Boynton Beach for a free consultation about a potential discrimination claim. Our attorneys can analyze the facts of your situation and advise you of your rights under Florida and federal law. We serve clients on workplace rights claims throughout Florida, and we only represent workers – never employers.
Workplace Protections Exist For LGBTQ+ Employees In Florida
Workplace discrimination for LGBT employees is complex and continuously changing.
Presently, there are no explicit protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender employees in the workplace under federal law. However, such individuals may still be able to make a claim under a different category that is protected. Several Florida cities and counties, including Miami Beach, Palm Beach, Broward County and Orange County, have ordinances providing specific protection to LGBTQ+ employees.
Federal law protects workers from discrimination in the workplace on the basis of race, gender, age, pregnancy, religion, disability and national origin. While federal law currently does not extend explicit protection to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers, several Florida cities and counties, including Miami Beach, Palm Beach, Broward County and Orange County, have ordinances providing protection to LGBTQ+ workers. Even if you live outside one of these areas, you may still have protection under another category, such as gender or race, if you experience discrimination in the workplace.
Given the current influx, those who feel like they have been terminated, demoted, harassed or disciplined at work or overlooked for promotion on the basis of sexual orientation or gender should reach out to us at 561-560-5597. Attorney William M. Julien can help you analyze the facts of your situation, advise you of your rights under both Florida and federal laws and find a solution.
LGBTQ+ Workplace Discrimination In Florida, By The Numbers
Although the LGBT community has made great strides in gaining civil rights and mainstream acceptance in the past couple of decades, discrimination in the workplace is still a frustrating reality. According to a 2021 survey by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, 46% report receiving unfair treatment based on their sexual orientation or gender identity during their career. Nearly 30% say they have been fired or not hired because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This number goes up to one-third of LGBT workers of color.
Harassment and toxic workplace cultures are another serious problem. Over two-thirds of LGBT workers report being called slurs by co-workers or overhearing homophobic or transphobic language at work. Even more seriously, over one-third of those surveyed said they had experienced some form of harassment at work, including physical assault, verbal harassment or sexual harassment. About half of respondents said they were not out with their supervisor, and a quarter were not out at work at all.
Get A Free Consultation With A Florida LGBT Discrimination Attorney
If you are an LGBTQ person and believe that you lost your job or were overlooked for promotion on the basis of unlawful discrimination, contact a knowledgeable employee rights attorney at the Law Office of William M. Julien, P.A. We represent LGBTQ clients with claims of discrimination and harassment, as well as retaliation. We never charge for an initial consultation, and we take most cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay legal fees if and when we help you recover money.
To get started, call our office at 561-560-5597 or send us a message online.