FAQs About Sex Discrimination Cases in Florida

Federal and Florida anti-discrimination laws prohibit employers from treating employees differently because of protected characteristics, including both sex and gender. As defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), sex-based discrimination is treating a worker unfavorably due to factors related to sex, gender, orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy. Despite these prohibitions, the EEOC still receives almost 20,000 charges every year alleging sex discrimination.

You have rights if a company treated you unfairly on account of sex, so it is possible to recover compensation for the losses you suffer. For your best chances of a favorable result, you will need a Palm Beach Gardens sex discrimination attorney to guide you through the process with EEOC and other proceedings. As an overview, it is also helpful to review some answers to frequently asked questions about sex-based discrimination cases.

What laws prohibit sex discrimination in the workplace? The primary federal statute that addresses discrimination on account of sex is the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. However, state lawmakers have also enacted a law regarding sex discrimination, the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA). The Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) is tasked with enforcement, similar to the EEOC.

 Which workers are covered by the laws? All employees are protected by sex discrimination statutes, as long as they work for a company that has 15 or more workers. This would exclude independent contractors. In addition, you are also covered by Title VII and the FCRA if you are an applicant or job candidate, even before you are officially hired.

How do employers engage in sex discrimination? There are many obvious and subtle signs of mistreatment, including:

• Paying women less than men;
• Hiring only women for administrative or secretarial positions;
• Only offering employee benefits to males who are presumed to be heads of household; and,
• Treating a pregnant woman differently from other employees who are temporarily sick or disabled.

 What is the difference between sex and gender? Sex refers to the anatomical differences between males and females, and discrimination on account of these differences is illegal. Gender has to do with how employees view themselves, which may not match up with their anatomical sex. Discrimination in both areas is prohibited by law.

How do I file a complaint against my employer? You raise the issue of sex discrimination by filing a charge with the relevant agency. There may be advantages to filing with EEOC or FCHR. Many charges are resolved by agreement, but you may need to go to court for disputes.

 A Florida Sex and Gender Discrimination Lawyer Can Answer Questions

These are important questions to ask about sex discrimination, but there are other answers you may seek if you are facing challenges at work. At Sconzo Law Office, our team is knowledgeable about the laws and developing strategies to protect your interests. To learn more about our services, please call 561-279-6114 or go online to reach out to our offices in Palm Beach County. We can set up a no-cost case review with a Florida sex discrimination attorney who will provide personalized advice.

Source:

eeoc.gov/sex-based-discrimination