Rhode Island Lawyers Fighting Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination

We would all like to live and work in a world free from discrimination. Sadly, this may never be the case. Although societal stigmas surrounding gay, lesbian and transgendered lifestyles are lessening, some employers still choose to openly discriminate against employees and applicants because of sexual orientation or preference.

You may be a victim of sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace if:

• You have been singled out at work because of your sexual orientation
• You received an unsatisfactory performance review, demotion, or unfavorable work assignment because you are homosexual
• You were terminated by your employer because you are gay, lesbian, or transgendered

The employment law attorneys at Robinson & Clapham, in Providence, Rhode Island, understand how frustrating it can be to be discriminated against by your employer - especially for something that has no bearing on your ability to perform your work. Whether you are gay or straight, male or female, you deserve to be treated fairly at work. Contact us for a confidential review of your sexual orientation discrimination claim.

What Can You Do About Discrimination Based on Your Sexual Orientation?

While federal law does not protect gays and lesbians against workplace discrimination, Rhode Island law prohibits sexual orientation discrimination against any employee who is gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (GLBT), or who is perceived as being GLBT. However, proving sexual orientation discrimination can sometimes be difficult. Most employers are not blatant about it.

Sexual orientation discrimination can consist of various types of adverse treatment by an employer based upon an employee's sexual preference, including:

• Considering sexual orientation as a factor in making hiring and firing decisions
• Treating gays differently in the terms and conditions of employment
• Refusing to promote an employee because he or she is gay
• Reprimanding, suspending, disciplining, or terminating an employee because of sexual orientation

Our firm has helped many people who have been discriminated against successfully pursue damages in a lawsuit against their employer. We also assist clients in filing claims with the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights.

Contact Robinson & Clapham

If you believe that you have been a victim of discrimination because of your sexual orientation, contact us for a review of your situation. We can help you assert your legal rights.