Anti-discrimination laws cover practically all areas of public life. Ranging from race to disabilities to gender, all members of society seems to be included. The first anti-discrimination law set in place was passed in 1964. This guaranteed equality in a professional setting for those with different race, gender, religion, national origin, and color. Throughout the past decades America has come a long way since those basic categories. Equal pay has been set up for both genders. Age discrimination has come to a close. People with disabilities are free to apply for jobs. Genetic information has also become encompassed in this list as of 2008. However, homosexuals are still battling to be considered for a position in this laundry list of people. Not allowing gays and lesbians to be under the protection of the law is creating a contradiction in the system. Religion is seen to some as a choice, while to others it is a way of life. The same principle should be applied to homosexuals, therefore making it unconstitutional for them not to be included in these federal laws.
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution states that there is a need for the separation of church and state to keep up equal. Not including gays in the anti-discrimination laws is a flaw in the equality our system. However, proving this to the American Judicial System can be a difficult situation. Workers across the country have been fired for what is said to be “inharmonious personal relationships.” This is just a fancy way of stating a same sex relationship. In court case Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins (1989), Ann Hopkins was fired and not compensated for being a lesbian. Executives at Waterhouse heard rumors of her same sex relationship and decided they didn’t want that type of person representing the company. Not only are situations like this one economically damaging but cause a deep emotional damage too. However, cases