Gender & Sex Discrimination

Employment Protections Against Sex and Gender Discrimination

Gender and sex discrimination includes unfair treatment based on sex, gender, pregnancy, or related characteristics. Minnesota law (and Title VII) prohibits firing or harassing someone because of their gender, whether male, female, or non-binary. The law explicitly covers pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions as part of “sex.” It also protects gender identity and sexual orientation (Minnesota’s Human Rights Act lists “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” among protected classes.

Pregnancy discrimination: An employer cannot fire or demote a woman because she is pregnant or returning from pregnancy leave. For example, if you took maternity leave and were then terminated without a valid reason, that’s illegal. Employers must treat pregnancy-related conditions the same as any temporary disability (providing leave or light-duty if available).
Gender and gender identity: It is unlawful to discriminate against someone because they are a man or a woman, or because they identify as transgender or non-binary. This includes firing, failing to promote, or creating a hostile environment based on gender stereotypes. Minnesota law’s definitions make clear that sex includes pregnancy and that “gender identity” is protected.
Examples: Denying a female employee a promotion given to a male colleague with equal or lesser qualifications, or harassing a man for working in a female-dominated field, could be gender discrimination. Refusing to respect a transgender employee’s gender identity (e.g. insisting they use the wrong bathroom) can also violate the law. Firing an employee because of their sexual orientation (Minnesota also forbids this) similarly falls under unlawful discrimination.

At Zack Johnson Law, LLC, we handle cases of sex and gender discrimination, including pregnancy-related claims. We will review whether your employer provided required accommodations, treated you differently after disclosing pregnancy or gender identity, or made improper comments. If your firing or other adverse action was motivated by gender bias, our firm can help you seek relief. Contact Minnesota gender discrimination lawyer Zack Johnson today for a free consultation. We fight to ensure Minnesota’s workplaces are free from sex-based bias and that victims get justice.

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