Sex or Gender

California

Sex Discrimination Lawyer

Let Us Help You Take Legal Action Against Your Employer

Men and women have equal rights in the workplace. At Valiant Law, we help California employees understand their rights and address violations of state and federal laws designed to prevent sex discrimination. Indeed, sex discrimination covers a wide range of illegal conduct, from sexual harassment to treating a job applicant less favorably due to their transgender status. If you have been discriminated against, it’s essential that you promptly report the misconduct and take steps to seek to remedy it.

Schedule a consultation with a member of our team by calling us at (909) 254-5771 or  contacting us online .

Sex Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

Prohibitions on sex discrimination cover every aspect of the employment relationship. In other words, an employer cannot treat one sex more or less favorably during a job advertisement or interviewing or hiring new employees. Nor can they disfavor one sex or gender when it comes to making schedules, providing the necessary job training, determining pay and benefits, or setting any other condition of employment. 

An employer may also be sued for sex discrimination if evidence exists that its policies have a “disparate impact.” For example, if the employer’s policy on leave unduly punishes female employees who require additional time off because of a pregnancy, that is sex discrimination even if the policy itself is written in facially neutral terms. 

In addition to potentially discriminatory employment practices, employers may also be sued for sexual harassment. This is a particular form of sex-based discrimination targeting a person because of their sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. Under California law, sexual harassment covers “unwanted sexual advances, or visual, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature” in the workplace.

Sexual harassment may include any or all of the following:

  • Making sexual gestures towards an employee; 
  • Using sexually explicit or derogatory language, such as graphic comments about an employee’s body;
  • Any kind of unwanted physical contact; 
  • Conditioning employment benefits by providing sexual favors; or
  • Threatening retaliation against an employee who rejects a sexual advance.

It’s not enough for a California employer to simply state that it has “zero tolerance” for sexual harassment. Businesses with at least 50 employees must also provide at least two hours of sexual harassment prevention training every other year. Anyone employed as a supervisor must receive this training within six months of taking their position.

Fighting for Your Rights as an LGBT Individual

At Valiant Law, our attorneys are devoted to battling prejudice and intimidation linked to sexual orientation or gender identity. Our seasoned California LGBT discrimination attorneys are committed to championing our clients' rights and pursuing fairness for those who have endured unjust practices in their professional environment.

Whether you have faced discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination due to your sexual orientation or gender identity, our team is here to provide the legal support and representation you need. We understand the unique challenges that LGBT individuals may face in the workplace, and we are passionate about standing up for your rights.

Our firm serves clients in San Bernardino County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, Orange County, San Diego County, and surrounding areas. If you have been a victim of LGBT discrimination, don't hesitate to contact us for a consultation to discuss your legal options.

Subject to Inappropriate Treatment in the Workplace? Call Our Firm Today.

Sex discrimination is a serious matter that can adversely affect your career and mental and physical well-being. Address and fight any misconduct engaged in by your employer or coworkers by retaining the services of a skilled attorney. 

To schedule a consultation with a member of the Valiant Law team, call us at (909) 254-5771 or  submit an online contact form.

Commonly Asked Questions

What is the legal definition of sex discrimination in California?

Sex discrimination in California covers a wide range of illegal conduct, from sexual harassment to treating a job applicant less favorably due to their transgender status. It prohibits treating one sex more or less favorably during job advertisement, interviewing, hiring, making schedules, providing necessary job training, determining pay and benefits, or setting any other condition of employment.

What are the protections against sexual harassment in the workplace?

In the context of California legislation, sexual harassment encompasses unwelcome sexual behavior, or any form of undesired sexual behavior, either visual, spoken, or physical, within a work environment. This can manifest as inappropriate sexual gestures, the use of explicit or offensive sexual language, unwanted bodily contact, tying employment perks to the provision of sexual favors, or threatening punitive measures against an employee who refuses a sexual proposition.

What should I do if I have experienced sex discrimination or sexual harassment at work?

If you have been discriminated against or experienced sexual harassment at work, it's essential to promptly report the misconduct and seek legal counsel to understand your rights and options for seeking remedy. Address and fight any misconduct engaged in by your employer or coworkers by retaining the services of a skilled attorney.

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