Legal Question in Employment Law in Pennsylvania

Hiring Homosexuals

I am the owner of a business employing 10 to 20 people depending on the season of the year. Our manager hired a lesbian in a front counter position while we were away on vacation. Homosexuality is opposed to my deeply held religious beliefs, and I would not have approved this selection of an employee had I been present. Can I let this new employee go without risking an discrimination lawsuit? I need to have an answer quickly.


Asked on 11/29/02, 12:06 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas Martin Law Office of Thomas Martin

Re: Hiring Homosexuals

Shame on you. Intentionally discriminating in the workplace against another human being because he or she does not share your "deeply held religous beliefs" is a moral outrage. Thankfully, it may also subject you to a discrimination claim. Although neither federal or Pennsylvania law specificaly prohibits discrimination based upon sexual orientation, courts have held that such conduct may be viewed as impermissable gender discrimination in some circumstances. In addition some local governmnets have enacted laws protecting individuals from discrimination based upon sexual orientation.

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Answered on 11/29/02, 9:55 am


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