In Pennsylvania, discrimination by employers that is based on gender is prohibited by the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act. Accordingly, employers may not take sex into account when they determine pay, hire new workers, or promote within the company. They must also make sure that working environments will not be hostile towards a certain gender and that the work atmosphere is not overly sexual.

What Must be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

Discrimination can be proven under the Equal Pay act if both men and women do the same type of work for the same employer but are nevertheless paid in different amounts. Discrimination claims in Luzerne County 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?

Sexual harassment encompasses any unwelcome or unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that is directed at the victim, whether it is physical or verbal. A Luzerne County employer may be held liable for the unwelcome conduct, even if it was an employee's co-worker who engaged in the sexual harassment.

Pennsylvania employers may also be liable for allowing conduct to lead to a work environment that is overly sexual. Gender discrimination is usually 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.