The Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act prohibit employers in Alabama from discriminating on the basis of gender. In accordance, employers may not take gender into account when making decisions regarding wages, hiring, or promotions. They also must ensure that working environments are not hostile or biased towards a particular gender, and that it is not of an overtly sexual atmosphere.

What Must be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

Under the Equal Pay Act, discrimination is proven when both men and women do the same type of work in the same job and yet are given different wages. Discrimination claims in Lincoln can be proven where the employer only hires one gender, promotes employees on the basis of gender, or acts in retaliation against a worker who has complained of employer misconduct.

When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?

Any unwelcome sexual behavior directed at the victim, including physical or verbal acts, is considered to be sexual harassment. A Lincoln employer may be held liable for the unwelcome conduct, even if it was an employee's co-worker who engaged in the sexual harassment.

Alabama employers who allow conduct to produce an overly sexual work atmosphere might also be held liable for sexual harassment. Gender discrimination is typically difficult to prove without a lawyer because the specifics of proving intent can be complicated. There are also detailed procedures that must be followed when pursuing a claim.