In Virginia, discrimination by employers that is based on gender is banned by the Civil Rights Act of 1963 and the Equal Pay Act. As such, employers can not use make any determinations based on gender in any areas such as wage amounts, hiring, and promotion criteria. They are also required to make sure that the working environment is neither hostile to a specific gender nor overtly sexual.

What Must be Proven in a Discrimination Claim?

Discrimination happens 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. Employers in Abingdon 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 encompasses all unwanted sexual behavior, whether verbal or physical, directed at the victim. An Abingdon employer can be held liable for the unwelcome conduct, even if it was an employee's co-worker who engaged in the sexual harassment.

A Virginia employer can also be liable for harassment if they allow conduct to lead to an environment that is overly sexual. It can be difficult to prove gender discrimination without first obtaining a lawyer, since specifics such as proving intent can often be complicated. There might also be procedures that must be followed in detail when one pursues a claim.