LGBT individuals have been fighting for their civil rights for many years, and the struggle for equal rights has become a central issue in the US. Famous figures have come out publicly to discuss their sexual orientation, and LGBT people are now represented in movies and on television as full members of society. The US has made great strides in protecting the rights of LGBT individuals, but there is still much work to be done. In particular, bisexual individuals often face unique challenges when it comes to legal protections.
The US Constitution does not explicitly guarantee protection based on sexual orientation or gender identity, so it is up to individual states to provide legal protections for LGBT individuals. Currently, only 22 states and the District of Columbia have laws that explicitly protect bisexuals from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. In addition, many states have laws that protect LGBT individuals from hate crimes. These laws provide additional safeguards for bisexuals who may be targeted due to their sexual orientation.
At the federal level, there are some protections for bisexuals. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has ruled that discrimination based on sexual orientation is a form of sex discrimination and is therefore prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This ruling applies to all employers with 15 or more employees. The EEOC also provides protection for bisexuals who are victims of harassment in the workplace. The EEOC has ruled that harassment based on sexual orientation is a form of sex discrimination and is therefore prohibited under Title VII.
The US Supreme Court has also ruled that same-sex couples have the right to marry under the Fourteenth Amendment. This ruling provides legal protections for bisexuals who are married to someone of the same sex. Despite these legal protections, bisexual individuals still face discrimination in many areas of life. Bisexuals are often excluded from LGBT organizations and events, and they may experience discrimination in housing, employment, and other areas.
It is essential for bisexual individuals to understand their rights and to speak out against any form of discrimination they may encounter. It is also important for allies to support bisexual individuals and advocate for greater legal protections.