The law does not forbid simple teasing or occasional thoughtless remarks. Harassment and discrimination are legal terms referring to serious injustices, which can create a toxic work environment for LGBT employees.
Possible examples of sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace could include:
- An employer’s refusal to extend employment benefits to a same-sex spouse
- Management asking an employee not to bring their same-sex partner to company events, such as a holiday party or company picnic
- Firing or demoting an employee shortly after they come out
- A supervisor using their personal religious beliefs to justify terminating an LGBT employee
- Coworkers regularly using homophobic slurs to refer to another employee