WASHINGTON -- Two officers filed a lawsuit against the D.C. Department of Corrections alleging severe harassment due to their sexual orientation.

Deon Jones and Andra Parker accused the department of violating the D.C. Human Rights Act. According to the lawsuit filed in D.C. Superior Court, gay correctional officers regularly endure anti-homosexual comments at work.

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"Well, they ostracize you because of your sexual orientation, and that's particularly it," Parker said. "Like I said, it's an unwritten policy that it's acceptable in the Department of Corrections."

Jones allegedly was physically assaulted and threatened after objecting to the discriminatory behavior, according to court documents.

"It's a hostile, threatening work environment," Jones said. "Each day is a struggle to even go to work and everything. And I have been subjected to assault by another officer as well as other sexual harassment and discrimination."

The lawsuit also alleges that when the officers reported the behavior, they experienced retaliation in the form of transfers and on-the-job harassment.

The lawsuit accuses the Department of Corrections of a pattern and practice of tolerating and failing to prevent such harassment.

"These two men are seeking declaratory relief from the court to make sure that the department enforces the law and stops discrimination and harassment on account of sexual orientation and retaliation, as well as money damages and damages for their distress," said the officers' attorney, Neil Henrichsen.

Jones said he is suffering from depression, anxiety and stress because of the harassment.

The director of the Department of Corrections had no comment because it is a personnel matter. Lawyers for the department will review the claims and respond within 60 days.

The Office of Human Rights already has found in favor of one of the officers.