Sexual Orientation & LGBT Discrimination in Weymouth Township, NJ
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. These protections apply throughout the hiring process and during employment.
Protected categories under the LAD include:
- Heterosexuality: Attraction to the opposite sex.
- Homosexuality: Attraction to the same sex.
- Bisexuality: Attraction to more than one sex.
- Transgender Status: A gender identity or expression that differs from the sex assigned at birth.
- Gender Identity or Gender Expression: A person’s internal sense of gender or how they express their gender through appearance, behavior, voice, or other characteristics.
The LAD also protects individuals from discrimination based on perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. An employer cannot make employment decisions based on assumptions or stereotypes. For example, if an employee is denied a promotion because an employer incorrectly assumes their sexual orientation, that employee may have grounds to pursue legal action.
The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) enforces these protections. Employers in Weymouth Township cannot legally refuse to hire, terminate, demote, harass, retaliate against, pay less, or subject an employee to different terms or conditions of employment because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. These actions violate New Jersey law and may entitle the employee to compensation and other legal remedies.
Legal Options for Employees in Weymouth Township, NJ
If you have experienced sexual orientation or LGBT workplace discrimination in Weymouth Township, you generally have two options for pursuing a claim:
- File a complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR): Complaints must generally be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory act.
- File a lawsuit in the New Jersey Superior Court: Lawsuits under the LAD generally must be filed within two years of the discriminatory act.
Both options allow employees to seek compensation, hold employers accountable, and pursue appropriate legal relief.
Contact Castronovo & McKinney, LLC
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC represents employees throughout Weymouth Township, NJ, and across New Jersey in sexual orientation and LGBT workplace discrimination cases. If you have been denied equal treatment, harassed, wrongfully terminated, or subjected to other unlawful employment practices because of your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, our attorneys can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.
