Client Alert
July 17, 2015
EEOC Finds Sexual Orientation Discrimination Illegal under Title VII
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has ruled that sexual orientation discrimination is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This is considered a ground breaking decision as it declares that employment discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual workers is unlawful in all 50 states. According to the EEOC, sexual orientation is associated with discrimination on the basis of sex. In 2012, the EEOC held that discrimination against an individual because that person is transgender (also known as gender identity discrimination) is discrimination because of sex and, therefore, is prohibited under Title VII.
SESCO recommends that clients review all applicable policy and practices to ensure compliance, such as handbook policies, applications, AAP’s, and screening and hiring systems. For assistance contact us at 423-764-4127 or by email at sesco@sescomgt.com.
