Arguments have begun in a legal case that that may have huge ramifications for LGBT+ people across the United States.
In Hively v. Ivy Tech, Out Leadership partner organization Lambda Legal and the Equal Employee Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will argue that Title VII prohibits discrimination against LGBT+ people.
Kimberly Hively’s suit against Ivy Tech Community College claims that the college denied her full-time employment and a promotion on the grounds that she was a lesbian. Previously in the case, a federal district court ruled against Ms. Hively because Title VII has not historically covered discrimination on the basis of sexuality.
Observers believe that the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals may change that precedent. All eleven judges on the Court will hear the case, and several of the Court’s judges’ previous opinions indicate that they may be receptive to Lambda’s and the EEOC’s argument.
Similar cases are currently being heard by the 2nd and 5th Circuit Courts, meaning that the legal question will probably ultimately end up before the Supreme Court
28 states, including Indiana, do not currently offer protections from employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
For coverage visit the Chicago Sun-Times and Reuters