Sex-Based Discrimination
Sex discrimination involves treating someone (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of that person's sex, including the person's sexual orientation, transgender status, or pregnancy.
Discrimination against an individual because of sexual orientation or transgender status is discrimination because of sex in violation of Title VII.
Sex Discrimination & Work Situations
The law forbids discrimination when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment.
Sex Discrimination Harassment
It is unlawful to harass a person because of that person's sex. Harassment can include "sexual harassment" such as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. Harassment does not have to be of a sexual nature, however, and can include offensive remarks about a person's sex. For example, it is illegal to harass a woman by making offensive comments about women in general.
Employer Coverage
15 or more employees
Time Limits
180 days to file a charge
(may be extended by state laws)
Federal employees have 45 days to contact an EEO Counselor
For more information, see:
See also:
- Equal Pay and Compensation Discrimination
- Pregnancy Discrimination
- Sexual Harassment
- Employer Best Practices for Workers with Caregiving Responsibilities
- Break Time for Nursing Mothers under the FLSA (U.S. Dept of Labor, Wage and Hour Division)
- Questions and Answers: The Application of Title VII and the ADA to Applicants or Employees Who Experience Domestic or Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking
- Older Women at Work: The Intersection of Age and Sex Discrimination