Federal law bans discrimination based on pregnancy, but Florida law is less clear. But the state Senate appears set to grant civil rights protection to pregnant Floridians.
Three Florida district court cases have wrangled with pregnancy discrimination. In two, the courts found Florida law provides protection. But in the most recent case, the court said pregnancy is not protected because it is not explicitly referenced in state statute. Senator Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando) says her bill puts the matter to rest by adding pregnancy to the list of protections.
“It is necessary, today, to clarify that discrimination against pregnant women is prohibited under Florida law as it pertains to public accommodations and all of the benefits of employment,” Thompson said.
The bill will receive a final Senate vote during the next floor session.
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