This week the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission declared that workplace discrimination against LGBTQ employees is barred, citing Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
This decision applies to employment only, and does not explicitly provide protections for housing or education. That being said, the ruling is a victory for the LGBTQ community.
On the heels of the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of marriage equality, equality seems to be spreading. But even as we celebrate, I am reminded of the often quoted words found in Pirkei Avot: “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it.” As inclusion and equality spreads for the LGBTQ community, now is not the time to desist from the work.
There is still much to be done, and each step in a positive direction is a call for celebration — and a call for yet another step forward. With so much progress being made, who knows how far our work will take us?
Read more about the EEOC ruling, including information on a previous ruling that protects transgender folks under the believe that anti-trans bias is sex discrimination under Title VII.
- EEOC Assures LGB Workers Are Protected From Workplace Discrimination
- EEOC Rules Workplace Sexual Orientation Discrimination Already Illegal Under Federal Law
- New Title VII and EEOC Rulings Protect Transgender Employees
- Sexual Orientation Discrimination Is Barred By Existing Law, Federal Commission Rules
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