rob@saffwein.com
215-695-3000

Sexual Orientation (LGBTQ) Discrimination

LGBTQ Discrimination

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Employment Discrimination Attorney

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ) Employees are protected under Local Philadelphia Statutes from Discrimination.  Unfortunately, Federal Laws do not protect LGBTQ Employees from discrimination, but some state laws do offer this protection.  Workplace equality is not as equal as we would like.  Robert Maizel is an attorney who can help you!

Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations

The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations provides protection for Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation. 

Sexual Orientation

In Philadelphia, Sexual orientation refers to discrimination based on one of the following categories:

  • Homosexual (gay or lesbian)
  • Heterosexual (straight)
  • Bisexual

Sexual orientation discrimination includes discrimination based on perception of an individual’s sexual orientation, whether that perception is correct or not. Sexual orientation discrimination may also constitute sex discrimination based on sex stereotyping when the alleged conduct results from the Complainant’s actual or perceived failure to conform to societal norms associated with his or her sex.

Gender Identity

In Philadelphia, Gender Identity refers both to an individual’s self-identification as male or female as well as to other’s perception or interpretation of an individual’s gender as male or female. Gender identity discrimination includes discrimination against: (1) an individual born male who may have a strong self-image and self-identification as a woman; (2) an individual born female who may have a strong internal self-image and self-identification as a man; (3) someone born male who self-identifies as a man but is perceived by others as feminine; and (4) someone born female who self-identifies as a woman, but is seen by others as masculine.

Transgender

“Transgender” is an umbrella term that includes anyone whose gender identity does not match society’s expectations of how an individual who was assigned a particular sex at birth should behave in relation to their gender.

Federal Protections for LGBTQ Discrimination

In recent years we have been much more successful in arguing and protecting LGBTQ rights under theories of Sex Discrimiation.  In the landmark case Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, 490 U.S. 228 (1989), the Supreme Court held that sex discrimination did not incorporate gender.  This was a major shift in the paradigm in terms of whether gender discrimination is actionable under Title VII.  Still, there is no direct protection for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ) Employees under Federal Law.

Fortunately, in Philadelphia LGBTQ Employees are afforded the same rights that may be afforded under Title VII.

If you have been subjected to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ) Discrimination in the workplace, I can help you!

How Can Robert Maizel Help You?

I am an experience employment lawyer who handles these matters regularly in Court, at the EEOC Level and with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PaHRC).  Our team investigates your claim to secure all of the information to help obtain a positive resolution to your case.  We know the law and we understand your needs.  No matter what your question, please feel free to call us at 215-695-3000 to discuss your case.  All consultations are free of charge.

Robert Maizel, Esquire

Robert Maizel is an Experienced Trial Attorney in Philadelphia with over fifteen years of trial experience.

You will speak to an attorney about your case!

Saffern & Weinberg has offices located in both Center City Philadelphia and Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.  Attorney Robert Maizel is a Partner with the Law Offices of Saffren & Weinberg.

Robert Maizel is associated with, and is Special Counsel with the Law Firm of Saffren & Weinberg. Robert Maizel is not a Law Firm, and rather Robert Maizel is affiliated with the Law Firm of Saffren & Weinberg.  All clients shall formulate an agreement with the Law Firm of Saffren & Weinberg, with the option of hiring Robert Maizel as lead counsel on your case to be heard in the State Courts of Pennsylvania, and Marc Weinberg as the lead counsel in cases to be heard in the Federal Courts of Pennsylvania.  Mr. Maizel handles all actions in the Administrative Courts of Pennsylvania including the EEOC and PaHRC.

Call Robert Maizel at 215-695-3000 to schedule your free consultation.

How Can I Help You?