In Pennsylvania, discrimination by employers that is based on gender is banned by the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act. Therefore, employers may not take sex into account when they determine pay, hire new workers, or promote within the company. They are also required to make sure that the working environment is neither hostile to a particular gender nor overtly sexual.

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 paid different wages. Also, discrimination can be proven if the employer in Bellefonte is only hiring or issuing promotions based on one gender. A claim will also prevail if the employer retaliates against workers who seek relief for discrimination.

When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?

All unwelcome sexual behavior directed at the victim, including physical or verbal acts, is considered to be sexual harassment. An employer in Bellefonte can also possibly be held liable for inappropriate behavior that was conducted by an employee's co-worker.

Pennsylvania employers who allow conduct to produce an overly sexual work atmosphere may 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.