What landmark decision did the Supreme Court make in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia?

The Supreme Court's decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, significantly impacted the interpretation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The ruling explicitly recognized that discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity constitutes a form of sex discrimination. This determination was grounded in the understanding that an individual's sex is inherently tied to their sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Court reasoned that if an employer discriminates against an employee for being gay or transgender, they are taking action based on the individual's sex in relation to their sexual orientation or identity. This landmark decision ensured that LGBTQ+ individuals are granted equal protections in the workplace under federal law, thereby providing a broader interpretation of anti-discrimination measures that aligns with contemporary understandings of gender and sexuality. The implications of this ruling extend to various aspects of civil rights, reinforcing protections against discrimination for marginalized groups in employment contexts.