In South Carolina, discrimination by employers that is based on gender is prohibited by the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act. 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 can be proven if men and women both work in the same place, do the same job, but are nevertheless paid differently. Employers in Belton will also be held liable in a discrimination claim if their hiring and promotion policies favor one gender, or if the they take retaliatory action against a worker who files a complaint against their employer.

When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?

Sexual harassment consists of any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature directed towards the victim, and includes both physical and verbal acts. Employers in Belton might be held liable for the sexual harassment, even when it was a co-worker who actually engaged in the conduct.

A South Carolina employer may also be liable for harassment if they allow conduct to lead to an environment that is overly sexual. The specific details for proving intent to discrimination can be complicated, and so gender discrimination might be difficult to prove without an attorney. The procedures for filing can also be complex.