The County Commission of Osceola County, Florida voted recently to move forward with a public hearing on a new human rights ordinance.

Other Florida counties that have adopted human rights ordinances include: Alachua, Broward, Leon, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Orange, Palm Beach and Pinellas and Volusia. Many cities and towns also have adopted human-rights ordinances.

Miami-Dade County, in December 2014, amended its human rights ordinance to add protections for citizens based on gender identity.

Guidance for Employers

Even though Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Florida Civil Rights Act may not specifically provide protection for sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. employers need to be aware that they are also governed by county and local ordinances that may provide protections for employees claiming discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or transgender status.

See my earlier posts on this topic:

EEOC Orientates Towards Sexual Orientation Protection

Three in a Row – the EEOC Has Just Filed a Third Lawsuit Directed to Discrimination of a Transgender Employee

Potty Police: OSHA Issues Transgender Bathroom Access Guidance

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