White Plains Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyer

Our Award-Winning White Plains, NY Sexual Orientation Discrimination Attorneys have successfully represented many employees who been victims of sexual orientation discrimination. Although federal law does not proscribe employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, it is important to know that state and local laws do prohibit such conduct. Sexual orientation claims can be brought by men and women, straight and homosexual. We have represented clients who have been denied employment, harassed and/or disciplined due to their sexual orientation. Our clients have worked for large and small companies located in or near White Plains, Westchester County. Unfortunately, sexual orientation discrimination still exists in today’s workplace. If you feel you are the victim of sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace, call us now to learn your rights at (914) 723-7900. Do not wait to assert your lawful workplace rights. Your job is too important. An overview of Sexual Orientation Discrimination with some illustrative examples is provided below.

Sexual Orientation Discrimination is when an individual is being treated differently because of his or her sexual orientation. Many times, a supervisor might reflect his or her views on what is right and wrong regarding this matter and judge and employee inappropriately and treat that employee differently. Under state and local laws, all individuals are to be treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation.

A claim may occur if an employee believes he or she is being treated unfairly and differently by a co-worker, supervisor or a client because of the employee’s sexual orientation.

In addition it is illegal to discriminate or treat individuals differently based upon their sex, any sort of gender identity, martial status, or any disability related to this matter (such as perceived or actual HIV).

• When an employee is restricted from getting a promotion, or obtaining a higher position because of the employee’s sexual orientation

• If an employee is denied a promotion, is fired, or an applicant is not hired because of the employee’s sexual orientation.

• If anyone in a workplace harasses an individual using pictures, drawings, comments, or jokes which are sexual and because of the individual’s sexual orientation.

• If employees who are heterosexual are allowed heath benefits, but employees who are homosexual or bisexual are not allowed the same health benefits.

You may want to consider the following factors:

• DEVELOP A STRATEGY: Remember that each case is unique and you should speak with an experienced Employment Lawyer as soon as possible to develop and present the strongest legal arguments in the appropriate forum and manner. At the outset, it is important that you understand your options, strength of your claim, the benefits and the risks (which many employees overlook).

• KEEP A RECORD: Your employer maintains a personnel file on your employment. You may want to consider keeping your own file by writing down every instance of unlawful discrimination or harassment – what happened, what was said, what time and where did it occur, were there any witnesses, how did it make you feel, did you complain about it, etc. You should exercise some caution as these documents could become discoverable and viewed by your employer in a lawsuit or administrative proceeding. Since you generally do not have an expectation of privacy, you should keep your notes at home, not at work or on your work computer.

• FILE A COMPLAINT: You should consider a written complaint about retaliation to your employer. Review your Company’s complaint process – is there an ombudsman, a Human Resources Contact Person or Complaint Hotline? If you are a member of a union, you may be able to file a grievance under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Make sure you keep a copy of everything you submit and receive from the Company regarding your complaint.

• KNOW YOUR DEADLINES: Depending on your specific facts, you may be able to file a lawsuit, administrative charge or another type of claim. You should consult with an experienced employment lawyer immediately to ensure that you do not miss any deadlines or statute of limitations periods.

Call now to speak with one of our White Plains Employment Law Attorneys to learn your workplace rights, options and how we can help you -- (914) 723-900. Do not hesitate to contact us if you are a victim of race discrimination and your workplace has been affected.