Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has recently joined the ranks of other large, influential companies striving to promote equal rights for their LGBTQ employees. By adding insurance for transgender workers, Wal-Mart- the largest private employer in the world- joins Fortune 500 companies such as General Electric, Apple Inc., Target Corp., and Xerox Corp., in protecting diversity in the workplace and combating unjust anti-LGBTQ legislation.
According to the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, which scores companies on their LGBTQ-friendly policies, Wal-Mart achieved a perfect score in 2016. With CEO Doug McMillion at the helm, Wal-Mart is turning around its checkered reputation by overhauling its image, especially in the area of workplace inclusivity. Wal-Mart’s stance on social justice issues and corporate responsibility shows a major trend towards nondiscrimination in private corporations.
Last year, Wal-Mart was pivotal in defeating discriminatory legislation in Wal-Mart’s home state of Arkansas, and it is gearing up to join other companies in combating similar bills in the upcoming year. Corporate America has become a pivotal player in advocating against anti-LGBTQ legislation on the state and federal level, showing a general shift in the corporate world towards more progressive policies.
Despite the advocacy efforts of these big businesses, LGBTQ discrimination protections in the workplace remain inadequate. In the 28 states with no anti-discrimination laws, employees can still be fired simply for being gay. In 2016, 200 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced across the country at the state level. In 2017, Texas lawmakers alone are expected to introduce around 50 anti-LGBTQ bills. Many companies still have no legal provisions in place to protect LGBTQ employees. Despite the progress made by many American corporations, not every American is currently afforded the same equal protection under the law.
Chester County LGBTQ Employment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Fight to End LGBTQ Discrimination
As Americans, we strive to promote inclusivity and protect the rights of individuals who may be victimized or marginalized because of their differences. And yet, 90 percent of transgender people have reported experiencing harassment in the workplace. If you feel you have been wrongfully terminated based on your sexual orientation or gender identity, or if you have been victimized by anti-LGBTQ employment laws, Chester County LGBTQ employment lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates are waiting for your call. Please call our Philadelphia offices at 215-569-1999 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. We stand with you and will fight for your rights- the rights that no one should be denied.
