According to recent Supreme Court opinions, which group is now included in federal discrimination laws?

The inclusion of LGBT individuals and those associated with sexual orientation in federal discrimination laws stems from significant Supreme Court rulings, particularly the 2020 decision in Bostock v. Clayton County. In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is inherently a form of sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This landmark decision expanded the interpretation of existing federal laws to encompass a group that previously had limited legal protections against discrimination in employment and other areas.

The impact of this ruling is profound because it recognizes the rights of LGBT individuals at a federal level, ensuring they have the same protections as other protected classes against discriminatory practices in workplaces and beyond. This landmark change reflects a broader societal shift towards recognizing and affirming the rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.