How do I handle employees who are uncomfortable sharing a bathroom with their transgender coworker or say using their coworkers’ preferred pronouns doesn’t align with their religious beliefs?

Both federal and California law require employers to ensure a workplace free from discrimination, including gender identity and expression. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) explicitly protects transgender employees, requiring employers to recognize the employees’ preferred name and pronouns and allow them access to facilities that align with their gender identity.

Additionally, Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 bars sex and gender discrimination in employment but does not explicitly prohibit workplace discrimination based on gender identity.