Lesbian Sues M&M Mars For Termination Over Sexuality And Pregnancy

A New Jersey lesbian is suing a division of M&M Mars after she was fired after coming out and taking sick time due to a difficult pregnancy.

Theresa Kwiecinski, of Hampton, alleges that she was fired in September 2011 from Mars Chocolate North America after her co-workers learned of her sexuality, according to the civil complaint. She'd worked at the company for about 10 years when she noticed a difference in treatment, heralded by a complicated pregnancy, according to the complaint. After she was hospitalized a few times and unexpectedly needed to go on maternity leave, she was informed that her mid-year status was again "below expectations" for failing to prepare enough for her leave, according to the complaint. Following her pregnancy complications and revelation of her sexual orientation, Kwiecinski alleges she was placed on a performance improvement plan that proved impossible. She alleges that this culminated in her wrongful termination in September 2011.

Mars has refused to comment on the suit.