Critical update on LGBT rights in the workplace

Although efforts to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) have failed repeatedly, 2013 and 2014 saw significant progress toward expanded rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) individuals, and the expansion is expected to continue. Employers should stay informed and work to assure compliance with the new and changing laws applicable to the LGBT workforce. As of Dec 15, 2014, 35 states and the District of Columbia have full marriage equality. Importantly, the EEOC has made advancing workplace rights for LGBT individuals a top priority. The vast majority of Fortune 500 companies also have issued policies precluding discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and many prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity as well. Thus, if your company has not done so already, it should update its policies and practices to preclude discrimination and harassment on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and provide the same benefits for same-sex spouses as it does for opposite-sex spouses.