Rhode Island Recognized Transgender Non-Discrimination Eleven Years Before the EEOC Prohibited Transgender Discrimination

Eleven years after Rhode Island became the second state in the nation to adopt a law prohibiting discrimination against transgender people in employment, housing, credit and public accommodations, the EEOC issued its own rule prohibiting discrimination against transgender employees or job applicants.  According to the EEOC's new rule, transgender discrimination is prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.                        


Of course, the EEOC's ruling is NOT binding on the courts, but it will influence how the EEOC and state agencies enforce Title VII.