Sex discrimination involves treating someone (a job applicant or employee) unfavorably because of that person's sex. Sex discrimination is a form of employment discrimination that violates federal law—including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §2000e).

In addition to these federal laws, states also have laws against sex discrimination in employment. These state laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the labor code or employment-related statutes.

Discrimination against an individual because of gender identity—including transgender status or sexual orientation—is discrimination because of sex in violation of Title VII.

The law forbids discrimination when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoff, training, fringe benefits, and any other term or condition of employment.

For the regulations related to sex discrimination, see the Code of Federal Regulations, beginning with 29 CFR 1604.1.

In North Carolina, sex discrimination in employment is prohibited under both federal and state laws. Federally, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal to discriminate based on sex in any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, promotions, and other terms or conditions of employment. This federal law also extends protections against discrimination to gender identity and sexual orientation. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces these federal laws. At the state level, the North Carolina Equal Employment Practices Act (NCEEPA), which is found in Article 6 of Chapter 143 of the North Carolina General Statutes, echoes these protections and prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from discriminating on the basis of sex. Additionally, the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings Civil Rights Division may also handle complaints of sex discrimination in the workplace. Employers and employees in North Carolina must adhere to these regulations to ensure a workplace free of sex discrimination.