Los Angeles Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyer

Sexual Orientation Discrimination: An Unaddressed Problem

A person’s sexual orientation describes the sex to which he or she is attracted. Gender expression refers to the gender that a person claims and presents to others, which may not “match” the biological sex they were born with.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, as well as transsexual/transgendered people, have faced harsh discrimination at work and in legal matters for most of our country’s history. Unfortunately, there is no federal law that makes sexual orientation or gender expression protected characteristics, which would make it illegal to discriminate against people on those grounds. Most states follow federal law on this issue, which means that gay or transgendered people who experience discrimination in hiring, pay, promotion, or other areas of work may have little legal recourse.

California Law

Fortunately for gay and transgendered people living in California, our state law explicitly forbids discrimination against straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual/transgendered people based on sexual orientation.

California law also specifies that perceived sexual orientation is still a protected characteristic. This means that if you are discriminated against because your employer believes you are gay, it does not matter whether you actually are. An offense has still been committed.

For more information, contact Los Angeles sexual orientation discrimination lawyer Perry Smith at 888-356-2529.

Fighting Back Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination

If you have been the victim of sexual orientation discrimination, or suspect that you have, it is important to act right away, because California law imposes a statue of limitations on this type of complaint. You must contact the California Labor Commission within 30 days of the offense. If the Labor Commission finds in your favor, you will have the option of filing a lawsuit against your employer.

Contact Us

If you win a sexual orientation discrimination lawsuit, you can receive compensation for lost wages, emotional suffering and punitive damages. For experienced legal representation in your case, contact Los Angeles sexual orientation discrimination attorney Perry Smith at 888-356-2529 today.