Am I protected as an AZ state employee?

Question

I was offered a job with the Dept of Economic Security for the state of Ariz. I looked all over the website and cant find out for sure if I could be fired for being lesbian. The only reference I found was an EOE statement and someone told me that overrides state govt as EOE is federal. Can someone help?

Answer 1

Yes you can because Az is an at-will state and currently has no laws banning being fired for being a homosexual.

At-will means that an employer can terminate an employee's employment for any reason as long as that reason falls within the EOE guidelines. As of right now, homosexuality is not listed in the EOE. Get it?

Most employers in at-will states just make up a reason to terminate people but what I am saying is that an employer in Az could actually come right out and say, "We are firing you because you are gay."

Btw, state labor laws overrule federal.

Answer 2

State and local governments are controlled by the EOE laws just as most other employers are. However, sexual orientation is not a protected status under the EOE.

Answer 3

I doubt you would be fired for that. They only care about criminal records and job performance.
However Please remember Arizona is a "right to work state" which basically means you have a right to work there with no union and they have the right to fire at will. THere are no laws to protect you from being fired like there are in other states.

Answer 4

I don't think you could be fired, however, others may treat you unpleasantly. You will probably find this anywhere. The "gay" lifestyle is not acceptable to a majority of people. I suggest you "don't ask don't tell" and watch your behavior.