The LGBTQIA+ community has gone through a lot of turmoil to get the protections that are present in current laws. For those who work for the federal government, there are some very specific rights that must be upheld throughout their employment.
It’s up to each person in the LGBTQIA+ community and their supporters to know exactly what rights they have. Remember these points:
1. Basis for legal protections
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on sex, which includes sexual orientation and gender identity. This means that LGBTQIA+ individuals are protected from discrimination in federal employment. In addition, Executive Order 13988, signed in January 2021, further clarifies that federal agencies should ensure equal treatment and non-discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
2. Forms of discrimination
Discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals in federal jobs can take various forms, such as unfair treatment during hiring, promotions, benefits, or workplace conditions. Harassment, including offensive comments or behavior targeting an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, is also considered a form of discrimination.
3. Retaliation is forbidden
It’s against the law for anyone who makes a factual complaint about workplace discrimination or harassment to face retaliation. Some common types of retaliation include terminating someone, giving them a demotion or moving them to a less desirable shift because they made a complaint or participated in an investigation.
Any federal employee who’s been discriminated against or harassed because of their LGBTQIA+ status should learn about the options they have. These come with time limits imposed by laws, so don’t waste time if you want to take a stand against this type of behavior.