Georgia Workplace Gender Discrimination Lawyers

Gender discrimination happens when an employer treats a worker or job applicant poorly because of their sex. The law often uses the terms “sex” and “gender” to mean the same thing. Both terms refer to protections that make sure employers judge you on your professional skills rather than your identity. The lawyers at our boutique firm, The Kirby G. Smith Law Firm, LLC, provide honest advice to help you decide if your employer broke federal or state laws.

Federal law is the main defense for most of the Georgia workforce, as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects most people who work for private companies. The Georgia Fair Employment Practices Act covers public employees. We explain your legal options and help you with issues involving sexual harassment and bias in the workplace.

Understanding Sex And Gender Discrimination

For legal cases, gender and sex discrimination are closely related. These terms cover many types of unfair treatment based on biological sex, gender identity, and gender expression. Common forms of gender bias in the workplace include:

• Unequal pay: Employers pay an employee less than a coworker of a different gender for the same job. The federal Equal Pay Act and the Georgia Equal Pay for Equal Work Act ban this.
• Glass ceilings: Managers promote less qualified people over others based on gender stereotypes.
• Job segregation: Supervisors give less desirable tasks to workers of one gender while others get better chances.
• Pregnancy bias: An employer treats a worker unfairly because of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical issues.

Federal law protects you from these actions if your employer is large enough. This applies if you identify as a man, a woman, transgender or gender fluid. Our firm provides the professional information you need to hold an employer responsible. We look at the facts of your case to build a plan.

LGBTQ Discrimination In The Workplace

In 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court decided a case called Bostock v. Clayton County. The Court ruled that Title VII bans discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This is a form of sex discrimination. Because of this ruling, LGBTQ employees in Atlanta and Georgia have federal legal protections. These rules apply if an employer has 15 or more employees.

Gender discrimination against LGBTQ people can happen in several ways:

• Refusing to hire an applicant because they are transgender or nonbinary
• Intentionally and repeatedly using the wrong pronouns for an employee
• Harassing an employee because they do not fit traditional gender roles
• Denying benefits to an employee because of their sexual orientation

If you face harassment or unfair treatment, you can find more resources through Georgia Equality.

Our attorneys follow these changing laws. We work to make sure your workplace respects your identity and your work.

Filing A Discrimination Claim

Most employees must first file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) before filing a lawsuit. Strict deadlines apply to these filings. Missing a deadline can end your case. We help you prepare the necessary paperwork to report workplace bias to federal or state agencies.

Answering Common Questions About Gender Discrimination

Learning about employment law helps you seek justice for mistreatment at work. Here, we cover some frequently asked questions to get you started.

What law protects against gender discrimination?

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act is the main federal law. In Georgia, the Fair Employment Practices Act protects state government workers. The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act stops pay gaps based on sex for both public and private workers.

Are men protected too?

Yes. Federal and state laws protect all employees regardless of their gender. For example, a man may have a claim if an employer denies him a promotion specifically because of his sex.

What actions count as gender discrimination?

The law looks at any negative job decision. This includes firing, demoting, or cutting your hours because of your gender. It also includes a “hostile work environment.” This happens when constant harassment stops you from doing your job.

Demand Equal Treatment At Work – Start With A Free Consultation

We provide focused representation for the people who make Georgia work. We believe every worker deserves a professional environment without prejudice. If an employer targeted you for bias or harassment, contact our Atlanta office to discuss your claim. Your performance should be the only thing that counts. Call 770-892-6019 to speak with an attorney at The Kirby G. Smith Law Firm, LLC about your situation.