LGBT employees are protected from sexual harassment under federal law. Title VII of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) prohibits discrimination or harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Transgendered people are also protected under this law, which means that firing or refusing to hire a person because they are transitioning from one gender to another is not allowed. Denying a person access to a restroom or not allowing them to have the same benefits as other employees solely based on their sexual orientation is illegal under this law. Some states also have laws that prohibit same-sex harassment. In New York, there is the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA). Passed in 2003, SONDA protects New Yorkers from harassment and discrimination based on sexual orientation in the areas of employment, education, housing, public accommodations, and civil rights. Those who have faced same-sex harassment or discrimination may file a charge of discrimination with the New York State Division of Human Rights. They may also file a complaint directly in state court. These cases are hard to win, so hiring a lawyer is highly recommended.