Research shows that nearly half of LGBTQ workers have experienced unfair treatment and workplace discrimination. If you have faced discrimination at work because of your sexual orientation, transgender status or gender identity, please reach out to The Noble Law for trusted legal advice. We are proud to advocate for gay, lesbian, transgender, queer, bisexual, non-binary and other members of the LGBTQ community. You deserve to be treated fairly in the workplace. Discuss your rights with experienced South Carolina employment lawyers who have the resources and knowledge to seek justice on your behalf.
Are LGBTQ+ Employees Protected in the Workplace?
Multiple cities in South Carolina have implemented local laws that prohibit discrimination in private and public sector employment based on gender identity or sexual orientation. As of this writing, Charleston, North Charleston, Folly Beach, Mt. Pleasant, Latta, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Richland County have made attempts to protect the LGBTQ+ community.
Some of the Palmetto State’s largest corporate employers and public universities have enacted policies that forbid discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. While South Carolina has not passed anti-LGBTQ discrimination laws on a state-level, there are federal protections in place.
Title VII and LGBT Employment Discrimination
In 2020, the United States Supreme Court made a landmark decision that impacts LGBTQ+ employees throughout the nation. The court affirmed that LGBTQ+ workers are protected from workplace discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
Under Title VII, employers with 15 or more personnel are forbidden from discriminating against workers with respect to their conditions, compensation, and privileges of employment on the bases of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Job applicants and employees who don’t conform to typical sex stereotypes in South Carolina are protected from employment discrimination under federal law.
If you have been the victim of LGBT discrimination at your place of work, the Noble Law can evaluate your situation and explain your options for seeking legal redress.
Examples of LGBTQ+ Discrimination in the Workplace
Many of our clients are uncertain if their experiences in workplace situations constitute discrimination. Many biases against LGBTQ+ persons exist even though lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals comprise 3.5 percent of the state’s population.
LGBTQ+ people in South Carolina report a number of discriminatory practices in workplace settings based on their gender identification and sexual orientation, including:
- Being passed over for promotions or key assignments
- Denial of a job offer
- Discrimination in pay or benefits
- Employment termination
- Verbal and physical harassment from co-workers and supervisors
- Derogatory comments
- Threats of sexual assault
- Unsolicited touching
- Inappropriate jokes
- Purposeful exclusion from desirable projects
If you’re being treated unfairly at work because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, we encourage you to speak with a South Carolina LGBTQ discrimination lawyer at firm.
Steps to Take If You Suspect LGBT Discrimination in the Workplace
If you have experienced a hostile work environment based on your LGBTQ+ status or any type of discrimination from your employers, take these steps to protect your rights.
- Document the harassment or discriminatory practices. Note the date and time of the incident, who was involved, and what was done.
- Speak to your supervisor and/or human resources department about the discrimination you have witnessed or experienced.
- Keep records of all discriminatory incidents, including emails, texts, internal memos, or voicemails.
- Reach out to the SC employment attorneys at The Noble Law.
LGBTQ Discrimination Lawyers South Carolina Trusts
Victims of LGBTQ+ discrimination in South Carolina may be entitled to a number of compensatory damages, including redress for back pay, lost income, legal fees, emotional distress, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Whether you’ve been verbally harassed, been passed over for a promotion, or wrongfully terminated because your employer found out you are queer or transitioning, you don’t have to go it alone. Our legal team understands the emotional and financial toll that these intolerable practices cause, and are committed to achieving the justice you deserve.
Call The Noble Law for a confidential consultation and legal advice.
The Noble Law – Employment Law Attorneys
We offer legal advice and representation to help you protect your professional integrity, defend your compensation, and move towards closure. If you are in need of legal counsel, contact our employment law firm in North Carolina or South Carolina today.
