It IS Discrimination: U.S. Supreme Court Rules in Favor of LGBTQ Employees

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is prohibited under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, a federal law.  What that means for employers is, employment decisions cannot be made on the basis of an applicant’s or employee’s sexual orientation or gender identity, whether that decision relates to hiring, pay, promotion, discipline, termination, or other term or condition of employment.  Title VII applies to employers with 15+ employees.

Illinois state law (applies to employers with 1+ employee), like the law in many states, has long banned employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.  With today’s ruling, however, covered employers in states without such a law, or with employees in more than one state, should review their anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, training materials, and personnel procedures to make sure they comply with federal law.  Covered employers that did not previously prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity should also train all of their employees – whether their Human Resources team, managers, or employees – on this new prohibition.

Laura Garofalo Law, LLC can help employers meet their policy, training, and other compliance requirements.