Are employers prohibited from discriminating based on a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity?

Yes, employers in California are prohibited from discriminating based on a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This is a protection established by both state and federal law. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is a state law that prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of categories like race, gender, age, disability, and sexual orientation. This means that employers are not allowed to discriminate against someone because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ). In addition to the FEHA, Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 also forbids employers from discriminating against people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Title VII is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). In California, employers must comply with both federal and state law, which means they cannot discriminate against someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This means employers are not allowed to make decisions about hiring, firing, or promotion on the basis of a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity and must provide a safe and non-discriminatory workplace for all employees.

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