New Jersey Discrimination Lawyers
Understanding the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD)
The state of New Jersey takes an aggressive approach to protect the civil rights of all those living and working in the state. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) makes it illegal to discriminate against anyone on the basis of age, race, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability. The law holds New Jersey employers, housing authorities, and business merchants to tough regulations on the fair and equal treatment of all those employed or seeking employment, as well as those seeking housing, or credit and business opportunities. The New Jersey discrimination attorneys at Sidney L. Gold & Associates are well-versed in the discrimination laws in the state of New Jersey, and advocate for those who have faced unfairness. Our NJ employment lawyers have represented countless employees and employers in discrimination cases in New Jersey.
New Jersey Leads the Way in Protecting Individuals from Discrimination
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination was first enacted in 1945, but what makes New Jersey different than most other states is the way that they continually review and revise the specifics of the law according to the changes in society. The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination specifically outlines protection of civil rights in the following areas:
- Race: NJLAD makes it unlawful for any individual to be denied employment, benefits, and housing, credit or business contracts based on race, creed, or national origin.
- Age: In New Jersey, the NJLAD prohibits anyone from being treated unfairly in the workplace because of their age. No one shall be denied an opportunity to work, advance, or apply for employment due to age restrictions.
- Sex/Gender: Under the NJLAD, an individual shall not face discrimination based on sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identification. It is unlawful to prevent anyone from obtaining employment, promotion, or housing, credit and business contracts on the grounds of sexual gender or sexual orientation, gender identification, or gender-specific conditions like pregnancy. The New Jersey Family Medical Leave Act further outlines specifics on an employee’s right to time off from work for childbirth or adoption, and the serious illness of a parent, spouse or child.
- Sexual Orientation: It is unlawful in New Jersey to discriminate against anyone based on their sexual preference. If an employer denies employment, promotion, or application for employment because of someone’s perceived or confirmed heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bi-sexuality, they are in violation of NJLAD.
- Gender Identification: An individual has the right to declare their gender identification, even if their physical features do not match their perceived gender. If someone is born with the physical characteristics of one sex, yet declares their gender to be of the opposite sex, they are entitled to protection under the laws against discrimination in New Jersey. This protection applies to all transsexuals, transvestites, and androgynes.
- Marital Status: New Jersey Law Against Discrimination makes is illegal to discriminate against any person based on their marital status. Single, married, separated, divorced, widowed, and those in a civil union or domestic partnership are entitled to equal opportunities in employment, housing, or credit and business contracts.
- Military Service: The discrimination laws in New Jersey mandate that those serving in the military or those with military commitments be protected from all forms of employment, housing, and business or credit discrimination.
- Mental or Physical Disability: The civil rights of people with diagnosed or perceived disabilities are protected in New Jersey under the laws against discrimination. Employers and housing authorities are required to provide reasonable accommodations for access to employment and housing for the physically and mentally disabled.
- AIDS/HIV Status: Discrimination based on a person’s AIDS or HIV status is forbidden under the NJLAD. An individual is not required to disclose their AIDS/HIV status, but if it becomes known that the person is in fact infected with the HIV or AIDS virus, they are entitled to fair and equal treatment under the law.
The New Jersey Employment Lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates Know New Jersey’s Laws Against Discrimination
The New Jersey discrimination lawyers at Sidney L. Gold & Associates provide knowledgeable and expert representation to those who have faced discrimination. Our NJ employment lawyers understand the intricacies New Jersey Law Against Discrimination and how it protects against the violation of civil rights to all employees and residents in the state. If you feel that you have been denied employment opportunities, housing, or credit and business contracts based on your race, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, marital status, military commitment, mental or physical disability, or AIDS/HIV status, our New Jersey employment lawyers can help. Our discrimination lawyers will evaluate your case, advise you on the best way to proceed, and represent you in all proceedings. Call us today at 215-569-1999 to schedule an appointment with a qualified New Jersey employment lawyer or contact us online.
