Employment Non-Discrimination: Federal, State and Local Laws and Legislation
Federal, state and local laws do not consistently prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, although many states and municipalities have enacted laws applying to their jurisdictions. Employers are urged to enact their own non-discrimination policies to help ensure uniform expectations throughout their operations.
Federal Law
Federal law mandates that employers not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age or disability. Federal law does not yet protect employees from discrimination based on real or perceived gender identity or sexual orientation.
- Federal equal employment opportunity laws - U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [www.eeoc.gov]
- HIV/AIDS and employment discrimination
State Laws
The majority of states do not have laws protecting employees from discrimination based on real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity, although states are passing such laws each year.
City and County Ordinances
More than one hundred cities and counties throughout the U.S. prohibit employment discrimnation based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
- Cities and Counties with Non-Discrimination Ordinances that include Gender Identity
- Search our Employer Database for Cities and Counties with Non-Discrimination
