Upcoming decisions from the Supreme Court of the United States could have an impact on how businesses in Florida treat LGBT workers. Among major corporations, support has been growing to interpret Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as inclusive of LGBT people. In a friend-of-the-court brief signed by 206 companies, business leaders urged the high court to recognize discrimination against LGBT people as a type of unlawful sex discrimination.
The brief declared that an unfavorable ruling against this class of people would hurt businesses and workers. Across the country, legal protections vary and leave many workers vulnerable to mistreatment at work. Inconsistent protection restricts companies’ ability to attract talented workers from diverse backgrounds.
This showing of support from large corporations, like Facebook, Google, Nike and Apple, indicates the growing sentiment among business leaders that workplace discrimination against LGBT people needs to be illegal. According to the Human Rights Campaign, the 206 employers who submitted the brief represent twice as many corporate supporters of LGBT rights compared to briefs filed in previous cases.
The Supreme Court will be hearing two cases related to discrimination against LGBT workers later this year. While the country awaits the outcome of these cases, a person currently experiencing discrimination at work might file a complaint under existing laws. Boca Raton, Florida, LGBT workplace discrimination assistance from an attorney may help a person understand their rights, assemble evidence and communicate a complaint to an employer. Private negotiations or litigation led by an attorney might result in a settlement for a worker who lost wages, missed out on promotions or endured a hostile work environment due to discrimination.
Source: Reuters, “Major companies call on U.S. Supreme Court to rule in favor of LGBT workers“, Daniel Wiessner, July 2, 2019
