United States: Supervisor Squeezing Subordinate’s Nipple: Does The Subordinate’s Gender Matter Under Title VII?

A supervisor allegedly grabbed and squeezed his subordinate’s nipple, and took a towel and rubbed it on the employee’s crotch, according to the opinion of a federal appellate court.

The employee sued, claiming hostile work environment, and claimed that the supervisor “received some perverse sexual gratification” from these acts.

Several other employees complained about similar conduct from the supervisor.

However, the federal court found that as a matter of law there was no sexual harassment or hostile work environment, and […]

By | December 12th, 2014 ||

Canada: Bill To Amend Definition Of ‘Sex’ Under BC Human Rights Code Passes First Reading

Private member’s Bill M 211-2014, titled Gender Identity and Expression Human Rights Recognition Act, passed first reading in the BC Legislature on November 20, 2014. If eventually given royal assent, the bill will amend the definition of ‘sex’ under the Human Rights Code to include “gender identity” and “gender expression”.

The full text of the bill can be read here. We will be sure to keep you updated as this bill makes its way through the […]

By | December 12th, 2014 ||

United States: IRS Guidance On Windsor Decision May Require End-Of-Year Amendments For Qualified Retirement Plans

Earlier this year, the IRS published updated guidance on the application of the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Windsor to qualified retirement plans. In Windsor, the Court held that the Defense of Marriage Act’s prohibition on the recognition of same-sex spouses was unconstitutional for purposes of Federal tax law. The updated IRS guidance clarifies the scope of required changes in plan administration resulting from Windsor and may require plan sponsors to amend […]

By | December 12th, 2014 ||