In Texas, discrimination by employers that is based on gender is prohibited by the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act. Accordingly, gender may not be the basis for any employer decisions regarding pay, hiring policies, or promotion requirements. They must also ensure that the workplace environment is not hostile to a particular gender and that it is not overly 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 given different wages. Also, discrimination can be proven if the employer in Brazoria County is only hiring or issuing promotions based on one gender. A claim will also succeed if the employer retaliates against workers who seek relief for discrimination.

When is Sexual Harassment Prohibited?

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

If the employer allows conduct to create an overly sexual work environment, they might be held liable for sexual harassment in Texas. 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.