California is commonly viewed as one of the most socially progressive states in the country. That, however, does not mean that every resident in the Golden State has been able to live without ever experiencing some form of discrimination or harassment. These things do happen and for a myriad of reasons. Whether age, skin color, religious belief or something else, too many people have struggled to get or keep their jobs. Today, workers who identify as transgender, gay or lesbian are all watching to see the outcome of a Supreme Court ruling.
As explained by The Atlantic, when Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed, the issue at hand was whether or not a job could be identified as for a man or for a woman. The law clarified that this was not allowed and explicitly banned discrimination because of a person’s sex. Later on, discrimination based on sex stereotypes, like how a person wore their hair or what clothes they wore, was said to be covered under Title VII. Now America is waiting to see if the high court believes that gender identity and sexual preference will be included or not.
CNN reported that the court reviewed three cases in which employees were fired either for being gay or for being transgender. At least one member of the Supreme Court has indicated they believe Congress should review the matter. Another has indicated concern for the social consequences of the court’s ruling.
The testimony has all been heard and now it is a waiting game until a ruling is handed down.