Category Archives: Federal Courts
Second judge says trans ban requires ‘highest’ scrutiny
A second federal judge announced Friday that she will apply strict scrutiny to the Trump administration's reasoning for seeking a ban on transgender service members. The judge kept in place a stay on enforcement of Trump's proposed policy until she
Title VII: Where the meaning of “sex” matters
In six states, Title VII can be used to protect employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation. Soon, that number might go up ... or down.
Federal appeals panel rules Title VII protects transgender
A federal appeals panel in Detroit this month ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act --which prohibits discrimination based on sex in employment-- also prohibits discrimination based on transgender status.
Supreme Court turns back on Title VII question
The U.S. Supreme Court could not muster four votes this week to agree to hear an appeal from an employee who said Title VII of the Civil Rights Act should protect her from sexual orientation discrimination at work. The case
Guide to Tuesday’s showdown at Supreme Court
Once again, the Supreme Court will review the constitutionality of a state law that has significant implications for LGBT people. But this time, the issue is not limited to marriage.
Supreme Court: Potential blockbusters await, again
The Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal three years ago from a wedding photographer who wanted to say "no" to a same-sex couple seeking her services. Now, the court is saying "yes" to a baker who did essentially the
The untenable paradox of Title VII reaches Supreme Court
Lambda Legal takes Title VII case to Supreme Court, arguing that the various interpretations of the law in the lower courts forces "creates an uncomfortable result in which the more visibly and stereotypically gay or lesbian a plaintiff is in
Trump’s trans ban is a real threat, say legal activists
Some media outlets and observers think Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has put a freeze on President Trump's proposed ban on transgender service members, but legal activists say it's happening.
LGBT groups sue to stop transgender ban in military
Two national LGBT legal groups filed suit in federal court Wednesday, seeking an injunction to stop the Trump administration from implementing a ban on transgender service members. They also seek a declaration that such a ban is unconstitutional.