Affinity Orientation discrimination in the Workplace
... Sexual Orientation/Discrimination - Despite its irrelevance to individual merit, a homosexual or bisexual orientation invites ongoing prejudice in all walks of life, ranging from employment to education, and for most of which there is currently no judicial remedy. Sexual orientation is defined as having a tendency to heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality, having a history of, or being perceived as having a self-image or identity not traditionally associated with one’s biological maleness or femaleness. The law allows workplace discrimination against gays, lesbians, transgender, and those with bi-gender affinity orientation. ... The Law – Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on the basis of gender but does not protect employees against discrimination on the basis of affinity orientation, which includes gays, lesbians, and transsexuals. ... As a result of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, EEOC assumes responsibility for enforcing anti-discrimination laws applicable to the civilian federal workforce as well as coordinating all federal equal employment opportunity programs. ... There are no federal laws that cover sexual orientation discrimination at this time. However, under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, employees may file a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel of the Merit System Protection Board if they are adversely affected by a prohibited personnel practice, such as discrimination based on political affiliation, marital status, sexual orientation, etc. ... On the other hand, eleven states and the District of Columbia have laws that ban discrimination in the workplace because of a person’s sexual orientation.