In situations of murky understanding around the photocopier, out comes Enda Jobkeeping's Rights 5 costume. Then all that Enda needs to do is place a collegial hand on the shoulder of a colleague. From that touch flows knowledge, and we all know knowledge is power. She uses her power on managers who may not know that Colorado law prevents employment discrimination against LGBT people. And she uses it on her fellow LGBT people who may not know about the protections afforded them. Enda can be spotted in boardrooms, HR departments, water coolers, job sites, and after-work happy hours.
What does the LAW mean for Coloradans?
In 2007, Colorado made discrimination, to include harassment, on the basis of sexual orientation illegal. The law includes a definition of sexual orientation that includes transgender status.
The law makes it illegal to consider sexual orientation, including transgender status, when making employment-related decisions, as well as to make inquiries about an applicant's or employee's sexual orientation, inclusive of transgender status.
The law applies to all employers, employment agencies, labor organizations, on-the-job training, and vocational training programs and schools.
Individuals who have experienced discrimination and would like to file a complaint should contact the Colorado Civil Rights Division at 303-894-2997 or go to their website at: www.dora.state.co.us/civil-rights/
For additional information on this law, click here: http://www.dora.state.co.us/civil-rights/Sexual_Orientation/SexualOrientationEmploymentFAQBrochure.pdf
Note that a charge of employment discrimination must be filed within 6 months of the last date of alleged discriminatory action.
