THINKING ETHICALLY WHAT DO EMPLOYERS OWE LGBT EMPLOYEES disclosed their status. Making assumptions about employ. IN EXPAT ASSIGNMENTS? ees' family ties may cause a company to neglect accom- When lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) modations such as travel allowances for someone whose employees are offered an assignment in another country. partner remains in the home country. Employers that know they face some considerations that aren't likely to affect the expat's LGBT status might offer overseas assignments their straight colleagues:-how their sexual orientation only in countries where they believe the employee can will be treated in the new country, While some countries travel and live safely. Or they might ensure that their cross- have relaxed attitudes, dozens frown on or even criminal- cultural training touches on these issues, regardless of any ize same-sex relationships and other behavior that doesn't assumptions about employees' sexual orientation, so that all conform to their gender norms. An assignment in one of employees can make informed decisions. Some companies those countries could be uncomfortable at best and danger- with a commitment to equal opportunity go further and try ous at worst. In countries that outlaw same-sex relations, to influence change in the countries where they operate- punishments include prison and, in a few cases, even the for example by pointing out that anti-LGBT laws make the death penalty. Even where the laws aren't enforced, they countries less attractive to multinational businesses. contribute to a climate in which people don't report vio- lence against or blackmail of LGBT persons. With this in Questions mind, gay managers acknowledge turning down foreign 1. How would you apply the principle of justice or assignments in order to protect themselves. fairness to employers' decisions about whether LGBT employees who accept these assignments can and how to offer foreign assignments to LGBT expect some extra surprises or challenges. One challenge- employees? easier for single and childless employees-is a need to hide 2. What would be the most ethical way for employers to their identity. An employee of a British company. while address the safety risks of asking a gay employee to working in Nigeria, asked her British HR department not work in a country such as Dubai, Russia, or Uganda. to share with her local colleagues that her next of kin was where laws are hostile to homosexuality? her wife, because she expected problems could result, On the positive side, some employees find gay subcultures that Sources: "LGBT Expats and Their Partners," InterNations, https:// warmly welcome them and help them navigate the new www.internations.org. accessed May 15, 2020, Bruce Einhorn. culture where they are posted. And some find that being "Multinationals Seeking Top Expat Talent Battle Anti-LGBT Laws." Bloomberg Businessweek. June 18, 2019, https://www.bloomberg. an expat already marks them as "different" in the eyes of com: Emma Jacobs, "LGBT Employees Face Hurdles at Home and locals, so the sexual orientation doesn't matter much. Abroad." Financial Times, May 6. 2018, https://www.ft.com: Ronald Given that LGBT employees often are treated differ- Alsop. "Is This the Most Dangerous Expat Assignment?" BBC, March ently in foreign assignments, employers have to determine 31, 2016, https://www.bbc.com; Debra Bruno, "When the Closet Tray- what their role will be in offering the assignments. First. els with You: For Gay Expats. Life Abroad Brings Challenges," The they need to consider that some employees may not have Wall Street Journal, October 11. 2015. https://blogs.wy.com