Sex/Gender discrimination is a widespread issue that has significant consequences. The Sex Discrimination Lawyers Los Angeles of Helmer Friedman LLP have extensive experience navigating discrimination laws. It can affect people in various ways, from facing bias in the workplace to navigating the complexities of housing discrimination or encountering prejudice in other areas of life. Therefore, it is essential to understand your rights as a victim, as there’s a complex web of laws and regulations designed to protect individuals who face sex/gender discrimination.

What is Sex Discrimination?

Sex/Gender discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfavorably because of their gender or sexual orientation.

Protections Under the Civil Rights Act:

The Civil Rights Act provides essential protections against sex/gender discrimination. Here are the key ways it safeguards individuals:

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964:

Title VII specifically addresses employment discrimination based on sex/gender. It prohibits employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants based on sex, including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions.

Under Title VII, employers cannot:

• Refuse to hire, promote, or provide equal pay based on gender.
• Create a hostile work environment due to gender.
• Retaliate against employees who assert their rights under the law.

Title VII applies to public and private employers with 15 or more employees.

The FHA ensures that people are protected when:

• Renting or buying a home
• Seeking housing assistance
• Applying for a mortgage
• Engaging in other housing-related activities

Types of Housing Covered:

The FHA generally applies to most housing. However, there are a few exceptions:

• Owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units.
• Single-family houses sold or rented directly by the owner without an agent.
• Housing operated by religious organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.

FHA Prohibited Actions:

In the sale and rental of housing, it is illegal to:

• Refuse to rent or sell housing based on protected characteristics.
• Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for housing based on these characteristics.
• Falsely deny housing availability.
• Discriminate in housing services or facilities.
• Impose different sales prices or rental charges.
• Evict tenants unfairly.
• Harass individuals.
• Limit privileges, services, or facilities.
• Discourage dwelling purchase or rental.
• Engage in blockbusting (persuading homeowners to sell based on protected characteristics).
• Refuse homeowners insurance based on protected characteristics.

California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA):

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is a state law that prohibits discrimination and harassment in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Here are a couple of key points related to FEHA:

It covers various protected categories, including:

• Sex/Gender
• Sexual Orientation
• Gender Identity
• Age (40 and over)
• Ancestry
• Color
• Creed
• Denial of family and medical care leave
• Disability (mental or physical)
• Marital status
• Medical Condition
• National Origin
• Race
• Religion

FEHA applies to public and private employers, labor organizations, and employment agencies.

Employers with five or more employees are subject to FEHA regulations.

It is illegal for employers to discriminate against job applicants and employees based on these protected categories or retaliate against them for asserting their rights under the law.

The FEHA’s Stance on Sex Discrimination:

The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) explicitly prohibits sex/gender discrimination in employment. This means that employers cannot base their hiring decisions, promotions, or pay on gender or gender identity. FEHA also protects employees from hostile work environments based on gender and retaliation for asserting their rights under the law.  If you have been treated unfairly, discriminated against, or experienced harassment, call the Sex/Gender Discrimination Attorneys at Helmer Friedman LLP at (310) 396-7714.