On December 5, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in a case on whether a wedding website creator may legally refuse to make websites for same-sex couples based on First Amendment grounds. During the nearly two-and-a-half hour oral arguments in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis,
Articles Discussing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Issues In The Workplace.
Same-Sex, Interracial Marriages Federal Bill Takes Step Toward Approval
On November 29, 2022, the U.S. Senate passed the Respect for Marriage Act, which would guarantee marriage equality, including for interracial and same-sex couples, under federal law. The bill, H.R. 8404, passed the Senate in a 61-36 vote with bipartisan support. The bill must still be voted on by the
Supreme Court Declines Review of Transgender Fire Chief’s Discrimination Case
On November 7. 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States declined to review a case by a Georgia fire chief alleging she was discharged for being transgender in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Former Comcast Employee Sues for Gender Discrimination in PA Federal Court
A former Comcast employee filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against her supervisor this month in the Pennsylvania federal court. The major telecom corporation is headquartered in Philadelphia. The female plaintiff alleged that her former supervisor publicly mistreated her before colleagues and made several targeted and sexist comments directed at
Employers Pressed Over Health Plan Coverage of Transgender Treatments for Minors
Employers are facing increasing—and conflicting—pressures over health plan coverage of puberty-blocking medications used to treat some minors for gender dysphoria.
Progress of TSA’s Gender-Neutral Screening
In March 2022, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced it would be implementing measures to conduct gender-neutral screening by enhancing screening technology, reducing the number of pat-downs needed, streamlining identity validation, updating TSA PreCheck, expanding airline partnerships to enhance the overall travel experience, and improving communications with the traveling public.
District Judge Protects LGBTQ+ Employee Against Sex-Based Discrimination from a Religious Non-profit
In August 2022, U.S. District Judge Catherine Blake issued a decision that reinforced the protection of LGBTQ+ rights from sex-based discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Doe v. Catholic Relief Services arose when Catholic Relief Services, a religious non-profit organization that focuses on humanitarian aid, refused to
Gender Dysphoria is Not Excluded from Coverage under ADA, Fourth Circuit Rules
Gender dysphoria is not excluded from the broad definition of “disability” protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a divided panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has held. Williams v. Kincaid, No. 21-2030 (4th Cir. Aug. 16, 2022). The court’s ruling likewise applies to the analogous
The Fourth Circuit is First to Rule that ADA Protects Gender Dysphoria
On August 16, 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit issued a landmark decision, Williams v. Kincaid, finding that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act1 protect individuals with gender dysphoria. This decision is the first decision by a federal appellate court on this
Nonbinary Pronoun Usage in the Workplace: What Employers Are Doing to Promote Inclusivity
Using the correct pronouns and honorifics in the workplace has become an increasingly important part of maintaining an inclusive workplace. At the same time, the sensitive nature of this trend and the many variations of pronouns and honorifics in use may leave employers confused as to how to accomplish that
Going Beyond IE&D 101: A Deeper Understanding of Being Transgender Today in America
As Pride Month comes to a close, we are celebrating with a very special podcast that features the personal stories and perspectives from two members of the Littler family.
Littler Knowledge Management Counsel, Betsy Cammarata (GSC – Kansas City) talks with Littler alum, Bennett Kaspar-Williams (Corporate Counsel for Labor
Celebrating Pride in 2022: Coming Out and Allyship in the Workplace
While June is a month to celebrate our Pride, it is also a time to reflect on the importance of coming out in the workplace and how all employees have a critical role to play as allies to LGBTQ staff, clients and community. On this episode of We get work™, we will explore coming out in the workplace and allyship through shared personal journeys and how to build a roadmap for allyship in your organization this June and going forward.
Former Athletic Trainer Sues White Sox for Discrimination
Earlier this month, former White Sox athletic trainer Brian Ball filed a lawsuit against the team alleging discrimination based on his sexual orientation, age, and disability status. Ball names White Sox executive vice president Ken Williams, general manager Rick Hahn, assistant general manager Jeremy Haber, and other members of
Biden Administration Marks Transgender Visibility Day With Plan of Support
On Transgender Day of Visibility 2022, March 31, the Biden Administration published a Fact Sheet outlining its dedication to equality and visibility for transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming Americans. The publication highlights the federal government’s support of transgender Americans and identifies the many steps it has taken and will continue to take.
Conversations with Women: Perspectives from Littler Boomerangs
In this episode of our Women’s History Month podcast series, Conversations with Women, Melissa Cee, Littler’s Chief Talent Officer talks with three Littler attorneys – Lori Brown, Angela Healy, and Lisa Kathumbi – who recently rejoined the firm and how their experiences were shaped by the women who supported