The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) is legislation that prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. It applies to employers with 15 or more employees. Employers must hire or promote their employees based on qualifications and skills rather than sexual orientation. If you are an employee that has been discriminated based on sexuality, you must seek the help of an employment attorney in Newark, NJ.
Basically, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act only extends the existing rights that prohibit employment discrimination. It demands that lesbian, transgender, gay, and bisexual, people are given the same rights as other employees. Employers cannot make employment decisions such as hiring, offering promotions, or firing based on the sexuality or gender identity of their employees.
Presently, there are many cases of discrimination against LGBTQ workers. Many of them are forced out of employment. They may be denied employment opportunities or promotions.
According to research, 15-43% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people experience some form of harassment or discrimination at work. About 17% of LGB workers are passed over for jobs or fired because of their sexual orientation. 10-28% of them are passed over for promotions that they deserve.
Transgender employees experience the highest levels of discrimination. About 90% of them experience harassment or mistreatment at work.
Employment Discrimination Affects Both Employers and Employees
Employment discrimination is a bad situation for both employers and employees. When employers allow discriminatory practices to go unchecked, they can lose lots of business. They may miss out on a chance to hire talented employees.
For employees, discrimination can lead to:
- Unsuitable work conditions.
- Loss of promotion opportunities.
- And loss of income.
Unfortunately, there are no federal laws preventing employers from firing employees because they are LGBT. This means that they don’t have any federal laws to protect them.
In New Jersey, however, employees are already protected by the existing Law Against Discrimination. The law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on their sexual orientation, age, and race.
Employers cannot hire, fire, or promote employees based on their gender identity or sexual orientation. New Jersey is one of the 21 states that protect LGBT workers with the Human Rights Law.
Contact the Law Office of Usmaan Sleemi if you have any questions about the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. If your employer breaks any state or federal laws, you may be eligible for compensation. You are eligible for compensation if you were a victim of any type of discrimination. We will work with you to determine if you have a strong case. We are honest so we will tell you upfront if you don’t. We use aggressive and effective strategies to ensure that you get all the compensation you deserve.
Usmaan Sleemi can represent individuals and businesses in all employment matters. Our attorney has worked almost exclusively in the area. He has the experience that is needed to get the job done. Are you looking for a reliable employment attorney in Newark NJ, contact us today and request a free appointment or call (973) 327-7874.
