Quote:
Originally Posted by capt coonassty
You got me, I thought it was considered a protected class. I couldn't find anything from credible direct sources.
|
The idea of "protected class" has different meanings in different circumstances.
The guarantee of "equal treatment under law" (14th amendment) makes just about anything (other than criminals) a protected class with respect to treatment by governments and courts. But being guaranteed equal treatment by governments and courts is not the same as being guaranteed equal treatment in other circumstances. Private individuals, businesses, service providers, and employers are not bound by the 14th amendment to guarantee equal treatment.
Employment law, housing laws, laws relating to "public accomodations", and contract law are other areas where it is important to recognize "protected classes." However, the protected classes in each case are somewhat different from the protected classes in other cases.
There are many classes recognized under Federal law as protected classes for various purposes (but not all) including: race, color, sex, religion, national origin, pregnancy, citizenship, familial status, veterans, and the disabled.
Exercising one's right to keep and bear arms and one's "right" to a same sex partner are not recognized protected classes.