Sex discrimination happens when an employer treats employees or
applicants differently because of their gender. Pregnancy
discrimination is a form of sex discrimination, as is sexual
harassment. Outright sex discrimination used to be more common
in the past, with advertisements for a "Gal Friday," signs
posted saying "Men Only Need Apply," and pregnant employees
being forced out of their jobs once they were "showing." These
days, sex discrimination is more likely to take the form of
stereotyping based on gender roles -- that women should (or will
want to) stay home with their children, or that men are more
likely to be assertive, for example. The articles in this
section explain what sex discrimination is and how to protect
your rights. They also cover the Equal Pay Act, which requires
employers to pay men and women equally for doing equal work, and
other laws prohibiting wage discrimination based on sex.