EEOC Sues Two Employers for Sexual Orientation Discrimination

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed two lawsuits—against Harmony Hospitality LLC in Alabama and LAS Hardwoods, a hardwood flooring company in the Chicago area—alleging violations of federal civil rights law based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the agency announced Thursday.

According to an Alabama lawsuit, Harmony fired a night auditor after management observed him styled and dressed in a manner they perceived to be feminine and that differed from management’s preferred appearance for male employees, the EEOC said.

In an Illinois lawsuit, the EEOC alleges that LAS Hardwoods created a hostile work environment for a sales associate because ...