Category Archives: Law

Title VII: Where the meaning of “sex” matters

In six states, Title VII can be used to protect employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation. Soon, that number might go up ... or down.

Federal appeals panel rules Title VII protects transgender

A federal appeals panel in Detroit this month ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act --which prohibits discrimination based on sex in employment-- also prohibits discrimination based on transgender status.

Supreme Court turns back on Title VII question

The U.S. Supreme Court could not muster four votes this week to agree to hear an appeal from an employee who said Title VII of the Civil Rights Act should protect her from sexual orientation discrimination at work. The case

Guide to Tuesday’s showdown at Supreme Court

Once again, the Supreme Court will review the constitutionality of a state law that has significant implications for LGBT people. But this time, the issue is not limited to marriage.

DOJ likens bakery bias to St. Pat’s parade exclusion

The Trump administration's brief in an upcoming Supreme Court argument would ultimately dismantle all laws aimed at ending discrimination in public accommodations, not just discrimination against LGBT people.

Supreme Court: Potential blockbusters await, again

The Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal three years ago from a wedding photographer who wanted to say "no" to a same-sex couple seeking her services. Now, the court is saying "yes" to a baker who did essentially the

The untenable paradox of Title VII reaches Supreme Court

Lambda Legal takes Title VII case to Supreme Court, arguing that the various interpretations of the law in the lower courts forces "creates an uncomfortable result in which the more visibly and stereotypically gay or lesbian a plaintiff is in

Trump’s trans ban is a real threat, say legal activists

Some media outlets and observers think Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has put a freeze on President Trump's proposed ban on transgender service members, but legal activists say it's happening.

LGBT groups sue to stop transgender ban in military

Two national LGBT legal groups filed suit in federal court Wednesday, seeking an injunction to stop the Trump administration from implementing a ban on transgender service members. They also seek a declaration that such a ban is unconstitutional.

DOJ: Title VII doesn’t cover sexual orientation

The U.S. Department of Justice has weighed in on a federal appeals court review of a case involving Title VII's language barring "sex discrimination" in employment. DOJ's brief appears to try out a few theories it will likely use at