New York Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawyers

Federal Law does not currently prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, although efforts are being made to pass such laws. New York State and New York City, however, have passed such laws to prohibit sexual orientation discrimination. The New York City sexual orientation discrimination attorneys at Cary Kane LLP, are prepared to vigorously represent clients who have suffered from what is unfortunately an often overlooked form of discrimination and bias in society. Below is a look at this law, but if you've suffered from this type of action, contact the New York sexual orientation discrimination lawyers at Cary Kane LLP to schedule an initial consultation.

The Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA)

In 2002, New York State became one of only a handful of states to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation when it passed the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA). SONDA amended New York State's Human Rights Law to include sexual orientation discrimination as a prohibited form of discrimination. SONDA does not just protect gays and lesbians, but broadly defines sexual orientation as "heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or asexuality, whether actual or perceived."

The New York City Human Rights Law

New York City has its own ordinance, the New York City Human Rights Law, which also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. The New York City law also explicitly prohibits discrimination on "gender identity," which gives transsexual employees stronger protection than under other laws.

All too often, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender employees fail to recognize that in New York they are entitled to a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. If you have suffered employment discrimination or harassment on the basis of your sexual orientation, both SONDA and the New York City Human Rights Law provide remedies for such conduct. The law firm of Cary Kane LLP is available to provide you with the answers and legal guidance you need.