On June 15, in the consolidated cases R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Altitude Express v. Zarda, and Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, the U.S. Supreme Court resolved once and for all a split among federal appeals courts, holding that Title VII’s prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex extends to employees discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

This ruling represents a significant departure from prior interpretations of Title VII by the U.S, Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and adds gender identity and sexual orientation to the protected categories covered under current federal employment law. In addition, this decision will impact state anti-discrimination laws, such as the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA). Because the FCRA is interpreted by courts consistently with Title VII, it is likely that Florida state courts will follow in the Supreme Court’s footsteps in extending FCRA protections in accordance with the court’s decision.