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HR Support with Sexual Orientation Harassment in the Workplace
Editor's Note: Prevent and respond to instances of harassment based on sexual orientation.
Overview: Employers need to know how to identify and respond to harassment based on sexual orientation. Although it is not explicitly protected under Title VII, it is advisable for employers to treat sexual orientation as a protected class. Further, many state and local laws do treated sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes.Sexual orientation discrimination can involve the use of offensive names such as "fag", "fairy" or "dyke" as well as the use of stereotypes regarding gays, lesbians and transgender persons.
In order to eliminate sexual orientation discrimination, employers should have a policy prohibiting harassment against individuals based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Employers should also have a multichannel systems in place so that employees can bring complaints of harassment based on sexual orientation. Further, employers should immediately respond to such complaints and institute corrective action if needed. Employers should provide employees and supervisors with training to be sensitive to sexual orientation and gender identity in order to create a tolerant workforce.
Trends: Employers should be aware that the Employment Non-Discrimination Act is pending in the US Congress. It would explicitly protect individuals from employee discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, employers should be aware that a handful of state and local laws already provide such protection. Employees should be conscious of continuing developments in this rapidly changing area of federal and state law.
Beth Zoller, J.D., Legal Editor
Latest items in Sexual Orientation Harassment
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Phoenix Now Prohibits Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Disability Discrimination
Arizona employers take note - the Phoenix City Council has passed a measure prohibiting employers from discriminating against lesbian, gay and transgender individuals, as well as individuals with disabilities. The Ordinance G-5780 goes into effect on March 26, 2013. It applies to all employers within Phoenix city limits with at least one worker.
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How to Conduct an Exit Interview
When employees resign, employers have a valuable opportunity to both gather candid information regarding their business practices and identify risk. This How To will assist employers with the steps to encourage employees to participate in exit interviews, select the right person to conduct exit interviews and how best to prepare for, conduct and process the information obtained during exit interviews.
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Rhode Island House Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill
On January 24, 2013, the Rhode Island House of Representatives passed a bill (51-19) legalizing same-sex marriage and affording same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples. If passed by the Senate, Rhode Island would join the rest of the New England states in permitting same-sex marriages
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EEOC Seeks to Protect Vulnerable Farm Workers from Harassment
The EEOC is pursuing non-traditional harassment claims such as those by males against males and claims based on national origin harassment, sexual violence and abuse. Further, the EEOC has indicated that farm workers are particularly vulnerable because they often work long hours in isolated working conditions and lack familiarity with legal protections and access to the legal system.
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EEOC Recognizes That Claims of Discrimination Based on Gender Identity, Change of Sex, and/or Transgender Status May Be Covered by Title VII
In Macy v. Holder, the EEOC addressed whether a claim of discrimination based on gender identity, change of sex, and/or transgender status is recognized under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
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Gender Stereotyping Sexual Harassment Claim May Be Brought Regardless of Plaintiff's Sexual Orientation
In Prowel v. Wise Business Forms, Inc., 579 F.3d 285 (3d Cir. 2009), the 3rd Circuit considered whether an unlawful employment practice occurs when gender is a motivating factor for any employment practice, even if it was not the only factor.
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Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Transgender Status in the Workplace
Courts and administrative agencies are reinterpreting federal and state antidiscrimination laws, and many state laws and municipal ordinances have been amended as providing employment-related protection for transgender individuals. These changes have a significant impact on employers' obligations to their employees, and opens the door for increased exposure and liability for those employers who do not incorporate this into their EEO policies and procedures.
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EEO - Harassment: Washington
In-depth review of the spectrum of Washington employment law requirements HR must follow with respect to EEO - harassment.
About this topic
HR guidance regarding sexual orientation harassment and creating effective workplace strategies to prevent it.