The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community made great strides in 2015 when the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same sex marriage. Professionally, however, these same Americans remain very much at a disadvantage. According to Middletown employment lawyers, no federal laws exist that protect LGBT individuals from harassment or discrimination, leaving many workers vulnerable.
A recent workplace survey reveals that 67 percent of respondents believe that members of the LGBT community should qualify as a protected class. Younger Americans between the ages of 18 and 34 are even more inclined to support inclusion of LGBT individuals in the Civil Rights Act, with 72 percent of respondents answering yes to the question of whether LGBT workers deserve protection from discriminatory work practices. The survey tallied the responses of 2,223 Americans, 143 of whom self-identified as LGBT. Nearly half of all respondents indicated a belief that employers should offer health insurance coverage for gender affirmation surgery, while 88 percent of respondents indicated that workers should be judged not by their sexual affiliation, but by how well they perform their jobs.
Unfortunately federal law has not kept pace with the evolving attitudes of the American people with regard to the LGBT community. The Equality Act – an effort to amend the Civil Rights Act to include LGBT employees as a protected class – was introduced in 2015, but has not yet been voted on by members of Congress. In New Jersey, LGBT employees enjoy more protection than those in neighboring states thanks to the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD). Pursuant to this state statute, employers may not discriminate based on sexual orientation, nor based on gender identity or expression.
Middletown Employment Lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. Are Loyal Advocates for LGBT Employees
Where federal law falls short, state law has stepped in to fill the void for New Jersey LGBT employees. The NJLAD provides lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workers with a viable legal path as they seek to hold discriminatory employers responsible for their actions. If you or a loved one has been discriminated against based on sexual orientation, the Middletown employment lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. will pursue your case. Complete this online questionnaire or call our Red Bank, New Jersey offices at 732-842-6500 or our Marlton, New Jersey offices at 856-985-9800, to learn how we can be the advocates you need.