Are employers allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their sexual orientation?

In Virginia, employers are not allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their sexual orientation. The Virginia Human Rights Act states it is unlawful to discriminate in terms of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, or disability. Sexual orientation has been interpreted to be included in discrimination based on sex. Therefore, employers in Virginia are prohibited from setting different standards or expectations for employees based on their sexual orientation. If an employer treats someone differently because of their sexual orientation, they may be guilty of discrimination and they can be subjected to legal action. Employees who feel they have been discriminated against based on their sexual orientation should contact the Virginia Department of Human Rights and report the incident. The Department can investigate the incident and impose penalties on the employer if they are found to have acted unlawfully. Additionally, the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) can investigate complaints about sexual orientation discrimination, and the EEOC can take legal action if it finds discrimination has occurred. In summary, employers in Virginia are not allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their sexual orientation. If an employer is found to be guilty of this type of discrimination, they can be punished with legal action.

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Are employers allowed to set different standards or expectations for employees based on their sexual orientation?

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