The U.S. Supreme Court recently held an important legal discussion that could shape ongoing cultural debates in America.
In a case involving a straight white woman named Ames, the justices seemed to find “radical agreement” on key points. Ames accused her employer, the Ohio Department of Youth Services, of discrimination after she was passed over for a promotion and later demoted in favor of less qualified gay candidates—despite her supervisor also being gay.
Ames had worked at the department for over 15 years and argued that her supervisor’s decision was based on her sexual orientation. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on sex and sexual orientation, and Ames sought to challenge a lower court’s ruling that dismissed her lawsuit.
During oral arguments, there was an indication that Ames’ request to bring her case to the Supreme Court might be granted, although the final decision still remains uncertain.
Ames’ legal team argued that the requirement for her to prove “background circumstances” as a member of a majority group—meaning a heterosexual woman—was unfair. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals had ruled that Ames couldn’t show sufficient facts to suggest discrimination based on her orientation.
Ohio’s Solicitor General, Elliot Gaiser, agreed with the justices that it is unjust to treat individuals differently based on sexual orientation, a sentiment echoed by several members of the court.
Justice Neil Gorsuch noted that there was almost unanimous agreement on this issue, stating that Title VII should apply equally to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.
Justice Brett Kavanaugh suggested that the Court may issue a limited ruling, leaving further examination of Ames’ case to the lower courts.
If the Court rules in Ames’ favor, this could pave the way for more individuals, even those in majority groups, to seek legal action in discrimination cases. Employment law experts predict that this ruling would emphasize that discrimination, whether against minority or majority groups, is prohibited by law, possibly leading to more discrimination claims across the country.
The final ruling in the case, Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, is expected by the end of June.