How to Prevent Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Author: Sahara Pynes, HR Solutions Group/Training Mavens

Sexual orientation relates to an individual's preference for sexual partners and encompasses attraction toward persons of the same sex, persons of the opposite sex, and persons of both sexes. Gender identity refers to an individual's internal sense of one's gender. Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is discrimination based on sex under federal law, and may also be covered at the state and local level.

Accordingly, employers must be aware of how to recognize potential discrimination issues, protect employees from sexual orientation/gender identity discrimination and protect themselves from litigation.