Your Rights Against Workplace Discrimination and Harrassment FAQ

Questions:

• I'm offended by my coworkers' constant X-rated comments and jokes; what should I do?
• Can my employer refuse to promote me to a position that requires public speaking just because I have an accent?
• My boss won't consider me for a transfer to our IT department because he thinks older guys like me (I'm 65) don't understand the latest technological developments. Is this legal?
• Can my employer pay men more than women to do the same job? The men have more seniority, but we're all doing the exact same work.
• Can I be fired because I'm gay?
• Is race discrimination really that common any more?
• Which conditions count as disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act -- and which do not?
• I'm applying for jobs, and I use a wheelchair. Are employers legally allowed to ask me about my condition?
• Does my employer have to give me my Sabbath day off?
• I just found out that I carry the genetic marker for a serious disease; can my company fire me if they find out?
• My former coworker asked me to be a witness in her sexual harassment complaint, but I'm afraid I'll get fired. What are my rights?

Answer:

Can I be fired because I'm gay?

It depends on which state you work in, believe it or not. Currently, federal law doesn't protect employees from discrimination based on their sexual orientation (although legislation that would create this protection is introduced in every session). But about half the states and the District of Columbia do protect employees from sexual orientation discrimination, as do many local (city and county) governments. For more information, see Nolo's article Sexual Orientation Discrimination: Your Rights.