For many years now, LGBT rights advocates have pushed for changes to existing laws regarding workplace discrimination. Although many states protect LGBT workers against discrimination, federal law does not offer the same protection. Federal law does prohibit employers from discriminating based on race, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or genetic information, but it does not specifically refer to sexual orientation or sexual identity. However, in a twist, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has decided that the law may not need to be improved because it should already be interpreted to protect LGTB Americans against discrimination.
A recent ruling by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago expanded the 1967 Civil Rights Act’s protections against gender discrimination to include LGBT employees in the workplace. The first-of-its-kind Federal Appeals Court ruling was lauded by gay rights advocates nationwide. The case at the center of the decision involved a community college teacher who sued her former employer, claiming she was denied promotions and was eventually fired because she is a lesbian.
Although this ruling is considered a breakthrough, the decision is at odds with another recent ruling from the 11th Circuit, which means it will very likely require a Supreme Court review.
If you feel that you have been the victim of LGBT discrimination, contact the Philadelphia LGBT lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. right away. We are passionate advocates for your rights. Contact us online or call 215-569-1999 for a free consultation at our Philadelphia office, where we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and South Jersey.
