LGBTQ Rights

The protection of LGBTQ rights in the workplace is a fundamental part of Georgian labor law, based on principles of equality and prohibition of discrimination. Although the legislative framework clearly prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in practice, LGBTQ individuals often face unfair treatment, harassment, or unlawful dismissal. Qualified legal assistance in this category implies not only the restoration of violated rights but also preventive mechanisms to ensure that the work environment is safe, inclusive, and dignified for all employees.

What does the LGBTQ Rights protection service cover?

Human rights lawyers registered on the Legal.ge platform offer services for both employees and employers:

• Investigation of discrimination facts: Legal assessment of discriminatory treatment, bullying, or harassment identified in the workplace and collection of evidence.
• Representation in labor disputes: Defending the client's interests in court or before the Public Defender when it comes to dismissal or denial of promotion on discriminatory grounds.
• Development of anti-discrimination policies: Creating internal regulations and codes of ethics for employers that ensure Diversity and Inclusion (D&I).
• Training and consultation: Informing company management and HR departments about legal obligations and best practices.
• Compensation claims: Demanding compensation for moral and material damage for victims of discrimination.
• Protection of confidentiality: Ensuring the protection of personal data so that details of an employee's private life are not illegally disclosed.

Common scenarios when you need this service

Legal intervention is often necessary in the following cases:

• When a candidate is refused a vacancy during an interview due to their sexual orientation or gender expression.
• If an employee experiences systematic ridicule, degrading treatment, or isolation from colleagues or management.
• When an employment contract is terminated without a real reason, which is factually linked to the person's identity.
• If there is no effective complaint mechanism in the company and the victim has no one to turn to.
• When transgender people face problems regarding documents or the use of workspace facilities (e.g., restrooms).

Georgian Legislation and Regulations

In Georgia, discrimination is prohibited by the Constitution of Georgia and the Organic Law "Labor Code of Georgia" (Article 2), which explicitly lists sexual orientation and gender identity as protected grounds. Also crucial is the Law of Georgia "On the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination", which creates effective protection mechanisms.

The legislation provides for a reversal of the burden of proof: if an employee points to facts that create a presumption of discrimination, the employer is obliged to prove that discrimination did not take place. Additionally, the Public Defender has a mandate to study facts of discrimination and issue recommendations.

Service Delivery Process

1. Confidential Consultation: An initial meeting with a lawyer where the client shares the problem in a protected environment.
2. Fact Analysis: The lawyer assesses whether the action contains signs of discrimination according to the law.
3. Evidence Collection: Gathering correspondence, witness statements, and other documents.
4. Legal Response: Preparing a lawsuit for the court or submitting an application to the Public Defender's Office.
5. Representation: Actively defending the client's rights until the process is completed and compensation is received.

Why choose a specialist on Legal.ge?

Discrimination disputes are emotionally difficult and require a lawyer who is not only a good legal expert but also has high ethical standards and deep knowledge of human rights. Legal.ge allows you to find specialists who specialize in anti-discrimination law and have experience in handling similar cases. With us, your rights and confidentiality will be protected to the maximum extent.