U.S. Supreme Court Appears Divided Over Bias Suits by LGBT Workers

  • Gorsuch could join liberals to back gay, transgender workers
  • High court case will affect the rights of millions of workers

Photographer: Mladen Antonov/AFP via Getty Images

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The U.S. Supreme Court appeared divided over whether federal anti-discrimination law protects gay and transgender employees, as the justices heard arguments in a clash that will define the workplace rights of millions of people.

The two-hour session Tuesday suggested that LGBT-rights advocates have the support of the court’s four Democratic appointees but face uncertain prospects in attracting a fifth vote.

Their best chance could be Justice Neil Gorsuch, a Donald Trump appointee who indicated he read the law’s text to cover LGBT discrimination but warned of a “massive social upheaval” should that interpretation prevail.