Since 1964, people across the United States and in Pennsylvania have been told that they should be able to be protected against any form of discrimination at work based on their sex. This mandate, set forth by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, has often been held up as the means by which women should be able to hold jobs previously associated as being only for men. The move against such ingrained discrimination and cultural believes has not been fast but things have changed since 1964. Today, however, that law is under scrutiny by the U.S. Supreme Court.
As reported by CNN, the point in question is whether or not the law prevents discrimination based on a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation. Some argue those things are inherent in the definition of “sex” in the text of the law while others believe they are not included in the meaning of the law’s text. The U.S. Supreme Court has heard testimony based on two cases in which gay men were fired from their jobs because they were gay and based on another case in which a transgender woman was fired for her gender identity.
As explained by Vox, the outcome of the high court’s ruling may has repercussions for gay, lesbian and transgender people in other facets of their lives such as health care, education and housing. Many people have voiced concerns what protections Title VII could really offer to anyone anymore if the court rules against the employees and in favor of the employers.
It is not clear yet exactly how the court is leaning in these matters, but it is clear that many eyes will be watching them carefully.
