---
title: HR Consulting Sexual Orientation & Transgender | Hire Velocity
description: "HR Consulting Update: On its face, federal law does not list sexual orientation or trans-gender status as protected categories."
---

[Recruitment and Talent Acquisition Blog | Hire Velocity](https://blogs.hirevelocity.com)

# [HR Consulting Sexual Orientation & Transgender | Hire Velocity](https://blogs.hirevelocity.com/havent-already-time-add-sexual-orientation-trans-gender-discrimination-policy)

 Written by [Hire Velocity](https://blogs.hirevelocity.com/author/hire-velocity) | January 2015

On its face, federal law does not list sexual orientation or trans-gender status as protected categories. Some states or cities have passed their own laws offering such protections, leaving a patchwork of laws across the country.  For this reason, many employers have delayed adding to their handbook’s list of protected classifications for either political reasons or to avoid arguably granting more protection than required in those local jurisdictions without expanded coverage. Looking forward, 2015 is the year where I can say that such a position is no longer optional — all employers should formally... [Keep Reading!](http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=f516a880-685a-44b3-a54d-fe8aef7608c5)

[View full post](https://blogs.hirevelocity.com/havent-already-time-add-sexual-orientation-trans-gender-discrimination-policy)

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