The EEOC Responds to the Actions of Unfair Employers with Two Lawsuits
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is a federal agency that administers and enforces civil rights laws against workplace discrimination on behalf of employees throughout the United States.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission acknowledges employees allegedly suffering from sexual orientation discrimination from their employers in two locations. One lawsuit was filed against Baltimore, Maryland, and the other lawsuit was filed against Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The EEOC requests that the courts should address employers violating The Civil Rights of the LGBT community in the workplace Violations include mistreating employees for choosing an alternate sexual orientation as oppose to what may be commonly expected.
Case filed against Baltimore, MD Discriminating against Sexual Orientation
Baltimore, MD – A lesbian employed with Pallet Companies (IFCO Systems North America), a subsidiary of Brambles Limited, experienced sexual harassment during her night shifts as a fork lift operator because of her sexual orientation. According to the lawsuit filed by the EEOC, she worked in the Baltimore office where her harassment allegedly took place for weeks for being a lesbian. The woman complained about the issue, which ultimately led to her termination.
The sexual orientation of the female employee, Yolanda Boone, was no surprise to her co-workers or boss. Yolanda’s sexual preference was evident in her image. Although she was open and comfortable with herself self in the workplace, her male supervisor made it difficult for her with derogative comments addressing her appearance and sexual orientation. The supervisor even had the audacity to tell Ms. Boone that “he wants to turn her back into a woman,” and “she would look good in a dress.” The EEOC allegations also included a claim that the supervisor would “stick his tongue out and blow kisses.”
The lawsuit suit highlights that the supervisor opposed to Ms. Boone’s interest in women, and her affection towards her partner. The regional general counsel Jay Frye, a representative from Brambles Limited, decided not to take ownership of any of the claims at this time. The company is also withholding all comments with intentions to defend all allegations brought forward against Pallet Companies until further notice. Frye notes that Pallet Companies appreciate the diversity of their employees and all that they bring to the company. He also stated that Pallet Companies refuse to tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation of any kind.
Case filed against Pittsburgh, PA for Discriminating against Sexual Orientation
Pittsburgh, PA – The EEOC filed a lawsuit against Scott Medical Health Center in Pittsburgh, PA on behalf of a gay male employee who was sexually harassed by his manager with anti-gay remarks and words of discouragement regarding his sexuality. The male employee complained to his social director who completely disregarded the help he needed with his workplace issue. In the end, the male employee relinquished his job title, and left the job. The Scott Medical Health Center employers did not respond to this matter outside of court, which led the EEOC to file a lawsuit against them.
Does The Civil Rights Act of 1964 protect against Sexual Orientation discrimination?
Yes, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbids discrimination against race, religion, color, national origin, or sex. Sexual orientation is not formally listed with the restrictions under The Civil Rights Act of 1964. In the employee’s defense, the EEOC states that harassment deriving from discrimination against sexual orientation falls under the category of discrimination against one’s sex. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects each division and all that comes with them including sexual orientation as an extension of “sex.” The lawsuit not only seeks justice for the individuals involved, but it serves as an example to any other employer that may attempt to discriminate against sexual orientation in the workplace.
Sexual Orientation is a Preference
Employees reserved the right to have their personal sexual preference. It’s not a requirement to have a specific sexual orientation in order to work for any company. Members of the LGBT community should not be treated any differently because an employer disagrees with their sexual orientation. The Human Rights Campaign supports the LGBT community and appreciates the EEOC for stepping in and addressing employers that indirectly attempt to find a loophole in The Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Human Right Campaign also acknowledges that discrimination against the entire LGBT community isn’t prohibited in all states.
Although there are no direct laws for the LGBT community, those individuals are still women and men, and the EEOC plans to protect the LGBT community from discrimination, sexual harassment, and any other violation of The Civil Rights Act in the workplace from this day forward.
If you ever wondered how you can get the help you rightfully deserve if you are experiencing workplace discrimination or sexual harassment, contact the workplace LGBT discrimination attorneys at 800-807-2209 for a free consultation to discuss your possible claim. Our attorneys are available to review your claims and prepare a solid case to recover the damages and justice you deserved.
