Laws on Women's Attractiveness in the Workplace

Attraction

In July 2013, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled against a lawsuit filed by a woman fired by her employer because he was attracted to her based on her physical appearance. The court explained that the termination was based on feelings instead of gender and was not in violation of anti-discrimination laws. The court also stated that in similar circumstances no other state had upheld a similar lawsuit. If you are fired based on your looks, consider speaking with an attorney to determine if legal action is appropriate in your unique situation, particularly if harassment took place prior to your termination.

Sexual Harassment

When you receive unwanted sexual advances in the workplace, equal opportunity employment law protects you. Protest the sexual harassment when it occurs and document the incident by filing a report with your superiors based on company policy. If your superior is the harasser, contact his boss or the human resources department about your complaint. Filing a formal complaint and retaining a copy of your report provides you with documentation for future reference. If your employer does not end the harassment, submit a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and your state's employment office before filing a lawsuit.

Violation of Related Laws

Protection under equal employment opportunity laws extends beyond gender and also prohibits discrimination based on race, religion or status as a disabled individual. If a change in your personal appearance leads to discrimination and the change occurred because of a disability, the law protects you. For example, your boss can't discriminate against you for being obese as long as you can still perform your job with a reasonable accommodation. Also, an employer who finds certain ethnic groups attractive can't make employment decisions based on race.

Dress Codes

When your employer maintains a dress code specifying appropriate and inappropriate workplace attire, follow the guidelines in order to avoid termination. Your employer can issue a warning and even fire you for arriving at work dressed in a manner deemed too provocative for the business, such as wearing a skirt shorter than the rules dictate. Unless your method of dress is covered under an alternate equal opportunity law, such as providing certain religious women with the opportunity to wear skirts instead of pants, the law will side with your employer.