The Supreme Court is back in session and is reviewing several controversial and high-profile cases. Among them is whether Title VII protects LGBTQ workers from employment discrimination. This case will be closely followed by employment rights lawyers and advocates.
These cases centers on whether Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sex discrimination in employment matters, extends to and includes sexual orientation discrimination. Title VII prohibits employment discrimination against individuals who belong to certain “protected” classes of workers. Based on this law, it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, national origin, race, religion or color. Actions such as firing, failing to promote, not hiring and harassment are prohibited. The court will be evaluating the definition of “sex” for purposes of “sexual discrimination” and whether the definition includes sexual orientation and gender identity. Two appellate courts and the Department of Labor have said that it does – making it illegal to fire people for being gay. However, the 11th District Court of Appeals, which includes Georgia, held that it does not. The impact federal ruling protecting workers from discrimination based on sexual orientation would be significant and provide necessary federal protection against workplace discrimination.
As Georgia employment lawyers dedicated to protecting workers from discrimination, we will be watching these cases closely and ready to advise our clients concerning any developments that may affect employment rights.
For more information or if you believe you have endured work-place discrimination, please contact the experienced Atlanta employment discrimination lawyers at Buckley Bala Wilson Mew LLP for an immediate case evaluation.