Same-Sex Sexual Harassment

The dedicated attorneys of FMCO Law work hard to protect the rights of employees in Chicago who have suffered the injustice of same-sex sexual harassment. If you have experienced the stress, humiliation, and fear associated with such mistreatment, contact us now for forceful legal representation. We will work tirelessly to bring you the compensation you deserve.

Geneva Laws Against Same-Sex Sexual Harassment

Same-sex sexual harassment in employment, as well as in other venues, is illegal throughout the United States as a form of sex-based discrimination and its prohibition is reinforced by the state of Illinois.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (often referred to as Title VII) forbids discrimination of protected classes (gender, race, religion, age, disability, ethnicity) in the workplace, and in 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court held that Title VII applies to same-sex harassment as well. President Biden formalized this decision as an executive order in 2021.

The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) makes it a civil rights violation for employers, employees, employment agencies, or labor organizations of any size to engage in sexual harassment, including same-sex sexual harassment. Offensive conduct is not limited to actions taken for sexual gratification but may include acts motivated by prejudice against, or malice towards, the victim’s gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Even with the above legislation in place, you need a skilled sexual harassment attorney to file a successful lawsuit. Fortunately, the law practice of FMCO Law is well up to the task. Our practice is widely respected for agile litigation, compassion, and a track record of successful outcomes.

Types of Same-Sex Sexual Harassment

There are two basic types of sexual harassment, same-sex or otherwise:

• Quid-pro-quo harassment occurs when a person in a position of authority, such as a supervisor or manager, uses their power as a bargaining chip to take advantage of an individual of lower employment status by making sexual demands. The supervisor may offer employment benefits — hire, promotion, salary increase, benefits — in exchange of sexual favors. On the other hand, the supervisor may threaten demotion, loss of wages or benefits, or termination if the victim doesn’t comply.

• Hostile work environment exists when unwanted touching, comments, taunts, suggestive or obscene gestures, sounds, texts, or images interfere with the victim’s ability to perform work duties or to feel any measure of safety or peace in their workplace.

According to the courts, gender stereotyping may also constitute same-sex harassment. If you are being humiliated by this type of behavior, get in touch with our strong sexual harassment attorneys at once so we can clarify your options.

You should be aware that retaliation for complaining about same-sex sexual harassment is also illegal. If you have reported incidents of harassment to your employer and then been punished for doing so, you may also have a winnable claim.

Our Same-Sex Sexual Harassment Attorneys Will Fight Hard for Your Rights

We are well aware that taking legal action against an employer is difficult. That is why you need our capable attorneys at your side to protect your reputation and your rights to appropriate compensation.

Holding Employers Accountable

While Title VII provides powerful legal protections, this federal law only applies to employers with 15 or more employees. Before filing a lawsuit, a victim of workplace harassment must file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

We know precisely which strategies to use to hold your employer accountable for your suffering. We will assist you in compiling evidence of what took place, including:

• Emails, texts, phone messages
• Disturbing images sent or posted
• Witness accounts of same-sex sexual harassment
• Complaints made to the perpetrator and to the company
• Employee files relevant to this matter

After making a thorough investigation, we will create an effective strategy to show that your employer knew, or should have known, about same-sex harassment and should have taken definitive steps to stop it.

We will handle all communications with your employer and with the opposing attorneys to make sure your rights are protected. If the other side does not agree to a reasonable settlement through negotiations, we are always prepared to litigate to obtain maximum damages.

Damages We May Be Able to Win for You

Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to damages for:

• Lost income and future earnings
• Lost benefits and/or bonuses
• Emotional anguish
• Reputational harm
• Equitable relief (e.g. reinstatement)
• Attorneys’ fees and court costs

Whatever damages are appropriate in your case, you can depend on our sexual harassment attorneys to fight hard to see that you receive them. If your employer acted with malice or reckless indifference, we may also be able to persuade the court to award you punitive damages.

Contact Our Experienced Same-Sex Sexual Harassment Attorneys Today

Being a target of same-sex sexual harassment can have a devastating effect, resulting in feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Contact FMCO Law now so we can restore your sense of empowerment and bring you the moral support and compensation you deserve.

FMCO Law serves Chicago, DuPage County, Kane County, and Cook County from their office in Geneva, Illinois for all same-sex sexual harassment legal needs of our clients.