Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyers in Long Island, NY

Employees are Protected Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination in the Workplace

At Ricotta & Marks, P.C., our sexual orientation discrimination lawyers in Long Island are passionate, justice-focused advocates for employees. Sexual orientation discrimination is unacceptable and unlawful. All workers deserve fair treatment. If you or your family member was victim of sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace, we will protect your rights.

We are not far removed from a time when gay, lesbian, and bisexual employees had virtually no protections in the workplace. Fortunately, the world has changed for the better. LGBTQ employees in Long Island are protected from sexual orientation discrimination under both state and federal labor law:

• New York Law: The Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) is a New York state statute that expressly protects employees on the basis of sexual orientation. Under the law, workers are protected against discrimination on the basis of actual and perceived LGBTQ status. If you were discriminated against due to your sexual orientation, you may have a legal claim under SONDA. Additionally, Under The New York State Human Rights Law (N.Y. Human Rights Law § 296.1), workers are entitled to equal opportunity as a civil right and they cannot be discriminated against because of “age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, sex, marital status, or disability.”
• Federal Law: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the primary federal law that prohibits discrimination in the workplace. Notably, until very recently, sexual orientation was not interpreted by federal courts as a protected characteristic under this statute. However, in 2020, the Supreme Court ruled that Title VII’s prohibition on sex discrimination by definition also bars discriminatory treatment based on sexual orientation.

The Bottom Line: LGBTQ employees in Long Island are entitled to a safe, secure work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and mistreatment. Your sexual orientation should never be used to deny you equal treatment or fair access to opportunities. Discrimination cannot be allowed to persist. As an employee, you have the right to forcefully stand up for yourself and push back against discriminatory practices.