Los Angeles Sexual Discrimination Lawyer

Proposition 8

On November 4, 2008, California voters passed Proposition 8, an amendment to the state’s constitution that repealed gay and lesbian couple’s right to legally marry. Many people are worried about the ramifications this will have on related legal matter such as adoption and patients’ rights. The good news is that Proposition 8 does not repeal California’s laws governing gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered workers’ rights.

Domestic Partnerships

In 1999, California became the first US state to offer domestic partnerships to gay couples. This legal arrangement is still an option and has not been changed by the recent constitutional amendment. A couple may file for a domestic partnership is they are living together and meet all of the requirements for marriage other than being of opposite sexes. The workers’ rights afforded by these partnerships include:

• Inclusion on family health benefits plans
• Medical leave as afforded by the Family and Medical Leave Act
• Access to some pension benefits for surviving partner

Registering as partners is usually quite simple: the proper forms must be submitted to the Secretary of State along with about $33 in fees.

Workplace Discrimination

California law will continue to protect straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people from discrimination in the workplace. It is illegal for a person to be fired, turned down for a job, or passed over for a promotion on the basis of his or her sexuality or gender. Harassment and other forms of discrimination are also illegal.

Contact a Los Angeles Employment Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been the victim of illegal discrimination, a qualified attorney can help you protect your rights. Contact Los Angeles sexual discrimination lawyer Perry Smith at 888-356-2529.