Definitions and examples.
New Orleans City Code § 86-41
in effectSec. 86-41. - Definitions and examples.
(1) "Sexual harassment" is unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
a. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly or as a condition of an individual's employment;
b. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting the individual; or
c. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. For purposes of this section, an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment exists when sexual harassment is so pervasive or severe that it creates an intimidating, offensive workplace and alters the conditions of employment.
(2) Examples of conduct and descriptions of behavior that may constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
a. Verbal: Sexual innuendos, suggestive comments, insults, humor and jokes about sex, anatomy or gender specific traits, sexual propositions, threats, repeated requests for dates, statements about other employees that are of a sexual nature, or quid pro quo offers wherein an employee is in a management or supervisory role and states or implies that an employee must consent to unwelcome sexual advances in exchange for some economic benefits such as promotions, merits, job offers, or job retention. Quid pro quo sexual harassment also occurs when rejection of sexual advances would result in adverse decisions affecting an employee's job status (e.g., demotion, termination, denial of employment).
b. Non-verbal: Suggestive or insulting sounds ("catcalls" or "kissing" noises), leering, obscene gestures, and sexually suggestive body gestures.
c. Visual: Posters, signs, pin-ups or slogans of a sexual nature, viewing pornographic materials or websites.
d. Physical: Touching, unwelcome hugging or kissing, pinching, brushing the body, any coerced sexual act or actual assault;
e. Text/electronic: Electronically sending messages with sexual content, including pictures and video, the use of sexually explicit language, harassment, cyber stalking and threats via all forms of electronic communication (e-mail, text/picture/video messages, intranet/on-line postings, blogs, instant messages and social network websites).
(3) Although severe and overt forms of sexual harassment may be readily apparent, some sexual harassment is subtle and varies depending on interpretation and perception. Review of sexual harassment allegations are subject to the standard of what offends a "reasonable person."
(M.C.S., Ord. No. 27795, § 1, 6-7-18)
Source: City of New Orleans, Code of Ordinances and Home Rule Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/la/new_orleans/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH86HURE_ARTVIIISEHA_S86-41DEEXFetched: 10/28/2026