Sexual Orientation Discrimination
Under Washington State law, employers are prohibited from considering an
employee's sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression,
when making employment decisions such as hiring, firing, promotions or
other terms and conditions of employment. This means that employees have
a right to be free from discrimination with respect to the terms and conditions
of employment and a right to be free from
harassment because they are heterosexual, gay, lesbian, or bisexual. In addition,
the law protects employees whose expression of their gender identity is
non-conforming to traditional roles and stereotypes. The recognition of
same- sex marriages also give same sex couples rights to enjoy equal employment
benefits, such as health care coverage for family members, as different
sex couples.
Discrimination against transgender employees is also a clear violation
of Washington State law and, in some cases, under federal law. Transgender
and individuals who are gender-nonconforming often confront issues in
the workplace related to bathroom access and dress-code policies. The
attorneys at Frank Freed Subit and Thomas have passion and experience
fighting to protect the rights of employees confronting challenges in
the workplace arising from their sexual orientation and gender expression.
If you are experiencing discrimination based on sexual orientation, transgender
identity or gender non-conforming identity, contact an attorney at Frank
Freed Subit & Thomas to discuss your legal rights and possible remedies.