Sexual Orientation & LGBT Discrimination in Bergen County, NJ
Discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression is prohibited under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD). Employees in Bergen County, NJ are protected from workplace discrimination because of who they are or who an employer believes they are.
The LAD protects individuals based on:
- Heterosexuality: Attraction to individuals of the opposite sex
- Homosexuality: Attraction to individuals of the same sex
- Bisexuality: Attraction to individuals of both sexes
- Transgender Status: When a person’s gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth
- Gender Identity or Expression: A person’s internal sense of gender or the way they express their gender through appearance, behavior, voice, or other characteristics
New Jersey law also protects employees from discrimination based on perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. An employer violates the law if employment decisions are based on assumptions rather than facts. For example, denying a promotion, reducing pay, refusing to hire, terminating employment, or creating a hostile work environment because of a supervisor’s perception of an employee’s sexual orientation or gender identity may constitute unlawful discrimination.
The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) enforces the LAD. Employers in Bergen County, NJ cannot legally refuse to hire, fire, demote, harass, deny promotions, pay employees unequally, or otherwise treat workers unfairly because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Employees who experience sexual orientation or LGBT discrimination in Bergen County, NJ may file a complaint with the DCR within 180 days of the discriminatory act. They may also pursue a lawsuit in the New Jersey Superior Court within two years of the incident.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney for Sexual Orientation Discrimination Representation in Bergen County, NJ
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC represents employees throughout Bergen County, NJ who have experienced discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Our attorneys handle claims involving wrongful termination, harassment, unequal pay, failure to promote, retaliation, and other violations of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. We evaluate the facts of your case, explain your legal options, and pursue the compensation and relief available under New Jersey law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
