In the last three years, Puerto Rico enacted two laws that extended protections against employment discrimination available under Act No. 100 of June 30, 1959 to employees based on their military status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. In May 29, 2013, Puerto Rico’s government passed Law 22. This law makes it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Employers in the public and private sector are banned from taking adverse employment actions, such as refusing to hire or rehire, suspending, or firing an employee, or otherwise affecting an individual’s salary on terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of the employee’s sexual orientation or gender identity. In September 13, 2012, the government passed Law 2160. Under the new law, employers may not discriminate against employees based on their military status. Both laws are effective now.
The updated list of protective classes has been incorporated onto Puerto Rico’s Anti-Discrimination posting. To purchase the updated Puerto Rico All-On-One Labor LawTM Poster, click here.