A federal judge recently ruled that a lawsuit against Liberty University, filed by a former employee who alleges discrimination based on her transgender identity, can proceed. This case is a critical development for LGBTQ+ workers, reinforcing that religious employers cannot always use faith-based defenses to justify discriminatory actions.
What Happened?
Ellenor Zinski, a former IT Helpdesk employee at Liberty University, says she was fired solely because she is transgender. Zinski had received positive performance reviews, but shortly after informing HR that she was legally changing her name to match her gender identity, she was terminated. The reason given for her firing? Denying “biological and chromosomal sex assigned at birth.”
Liberty University, a private Christian institution, claimed it had the right to fire her under its religious beliefs, arguing that gender identity conflicts with its doctrine. However, Zinski, represented by the ACLU of Virginia and Butler Curwood law firm, sued under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sex-based discrimination, including discrimination against transgender employees.
The Court’s Ruling: A Win for Workers
Liberty University tried to get the case dismissed, arguing that it is protected under religious exemptions. However, Judge Norman Moon ruled that the lawsuit could proceed, stating that while religious employers do have certain legal protections, they cannot simply override anti-discrimination laws when it comes to firing employees based on sex or gender identity.
This ruling follows precedents set by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020 decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, which confirmed that Title VII protects workers from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
What This Means for You
If you are an LGBTQ+ worker—especially at a religious-affiliated employer—this case highlights some key rights and legal protections:
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Your Employer Cannot Fire You for Being Transgender (In Most Cases)
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Title VII prohibits discrimination based on sex, which courts have confirmed includes gender identity.
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While religious employers may claim certain exemptions, those exemptions do not allow them to discriminate freely against LGBTQ+ employees in non-ministerial roles.
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You Can Challenge Discrimination
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If you are fired or mistreated because of your gender identity or sexual orientation, you may have a legal claim.
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Organizations like the ACLU, Lambda Legal, and EEOC can help workers understand their rights and navigate legal options.
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Religious Employers Have Limits
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Private religious institutions do have some protections, but they cannot always use faith-based arguments to override federal anti-discrimination laws.
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If a court finds that an employer’s policies violate federal law, it may rule in favor of the employee, as seen in cases like Zinski’s.
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Legal Precedent Is on Your Side
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The Bostock ruling already confirmed that LGBTQ+ workers are covered under federal law.
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As more cases like this move forward, legal protections for transgender employees will continue to be clarified and strengthened.
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What Should You Do If You Face Discrimination?
If you believe your employer has discriminated against you because of your gender identity or sexual orientation, here’s what you can do:
✅ Document Everything – Keep records of discriminatory comments, emails, or performance reviews.
✅ File a Complaint with the EEOC – You can file a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces Title VII.
✅ Seek Legal Advice – Contact an employment lawyer or advocacy group to explore your legal options.
✅ Know Your State Laws – Some states provide additional protections beyond federal law.
The Bigger Picture
While this case is still ongoing, the ruling that it can proceed sends a strong message: LGBTQ+ workers have rights, and employers—religious or not—cannot ignore them.
For transgender employees and allies, this case reinforces the importance of fighting back against workplace discrimination and pushing for stronger protections nationwide.
If you are experiencing workplace discrimination, you are not alone. Resources and legal support are available to help you fight for justice.
