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 specific gender and that the work atmosphere is not overly sexual.

What Must be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

Discrimination occurs according to the Equal Pay Act if both men and women are working in the same job and performing the same tasks, yet receive different wages. A discrimination claim may also succeed when employers in Mechanicsburg hire only one specific gender, issues promotions based on gender, or retaliates against persons who seek relief for employer misconduct.

When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?

Sexual harassment includes any unwanted sexual behavior, whether verbal or physical, directed at the victim. Employers in Mechanicsburg might also be liable for the behavior, even when the conduct was done by an employee's co-worker.

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