On June 15, 2020, the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled that employers cannot discriminate against workers on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Specifically, SCOTUS ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination when stating it is illegal to “fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to [their] compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual's...sex.”
Prior to the SCOTUS ruling, there was disagreement in lower courts as to whether sexual orientation and gender identity are covered under Title VII’s ban against sex discrimination. Now, it is clear that Title VII prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Title VII is a federal law that applies to all employers in the United States with 15 or more employees.
It is important to note that this ruling does not change the law in Oregon where employees are already protected from sexual orientation and gender identity workplace discrimination.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.