Harassment - Gender, Sex & Pregnancy Discrimination Case Law
Automobile Workers v. Johnson Controls, Inc., 499 U.S. 187 (1991) 111 S.Ct. 1196
In order to prove the Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications defense, an employer must prove three elements: a direct relationship between sex and the ability to perform the duties of the job, the BFOQ relates to the "essence" or "central mission of the employer's business," there is no less-restrictive or reasonable alternative.
Oncale v. Sundowner Offshore Services, Inc., 523 U.S. 75 (1998) 118 S.Ct. 998
Same sex harassment is prohibited by Title VII.
Jespersen v. Harrah's Operating Company Inc., 392 F.3d 1076 (9th Cir. 2004)
An employer can fire a female for not wearing makeup under Title VII.
Dothard v. Rawlinson, 433 U.S. 321 (1977) 97 S.Ct. 2720
Title VII prohibits refusal to hire an individual on basis of stereotyped characterizations of the sexes. Title VII allows individual women to choose whether they want to do dangerous work.
The Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exception is an extremely narrow exception to the general prohibition of discrimination based on sex.
Zipes v. Trans World Airlines Inc., 455 U.S. 385 (1982) 102 S.Ct. 1127
Airline could not enact a policy that discriminates against female flight attendants who became mothers while male flight attendants were permitted to continue flying.
Coleman v. B-G Maintenance Management Inc., 108 F.3d 1199 (10th Cir. 1997)
Title VII prohibits employers from treating married woman differently than married men, but it does not protect marital status alone.
Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, 490 U.S. 228 (1989) 109 S.Ct. 1775
Gender discrimination claim used instead of sexual orientation discrimination claim that is not allowed under Title VII.
Simonton v. Runyon, 232 F.3d 33 (2nd Cir. 2000)
Title VII does not protect against sexual orientation or preferences discrimination.
Clover v. Total System Services, Inc., 176 F.3d 1346 (11th Cir. 1999)
Congress intends to confer broad protection upon employees covered by Title VII.

