Sexual Orientation LGBT
In New Jersey, regulations under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) offer comprehensive protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation. The LAD safeguards individuals not only on the basis of their sexual orientations but also extends its coverage to include transgender identities and gender expressions, both of which are encompassed within the realm of sexual orientation.
Under New Jersey law, employees are shielded from discriminatory practices rooted in “sexual or affectional orientation,” which encompasses a spectrum of sexual and romantic attractions toward individuals of different genders.
These attractions may include:
- Heterosexuality, indicating an attraction to individuals of the opposite gender
- Homosexuality, reflecting an attraction to individuals of the same gender
- Bisexuality, denoting an attraction to individuals of both genders
- Transgender identity, where an individual’s gender identity or expression does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth
- Gender identity or expression, which refers to an individual’s internal sense of being male or female, or their outward expression of gender, often reflected in attire, behavior, or physical characteristics traditionally associated with masculinity or femininity.
The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) is tasked with enforcing the provisions of the LAD and recognizes specific protected categories of “sexual orientations,” including those mentioned above.
Employers are expressly prohibited from engaging in discriminatory actions against employees based on any of these characteristics. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, refusal to hire, termination, harassment, disparate pay, or unequal treatment in the terms and conditions of employment, as stipulated by the DCR.
Moreover, the LAD extends protection against discrimination grounded in “perceived” sexual orientation. A notable case in New Jersey involved a police officer who was denied a promotion due to his supervisor’s erroneous perception of his sexual orientation, leading to a significant settlement in a lawsuit.
Individuals subjected to sexual orientation discrimination in New Jersey have avenues for redress through the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights within 180 days of the last discriminatory act or through legal recourse in the Superior Court within two years.
Contact Our Experienced Woodbridge Township Sexual Orientation Discrimination Law Attorneys
For expert legal guidance and representation in matters pertaining to sexual orientation discrimination in the Woodbridge Township area, look no further than Castronovo & McKinney. Our seasoned attorneys boast a track record of successfully navigating such claims, both in and out of the courtroom. Rest assured, your rights will be vigorously defended. Contact us today to initiate the process of safeguarding your interests.