Labor Law Section: Spring-Board: Expansion of Civil Rights Protections Based on Sexual Orientation

LELS: Spring-Board: The Expansion of Civil Rights Protections Based on Sexual Orientation

Agenda

4:00–5:00 p.m. Panel Presentation
Join us as our distinguished panel shares their thoughts on how the legal landscape is changing with the expansion of civil rights protections based on sexual orientation. Panelists include the trial attorney and nationally-recognized Constitutional law expert litigating the DeBoer v. Snyder U.S. Supreme Court showdown on same sex marriage; the head of the EEOC's Detroit office; and an experienced practitioner well-versed in the area of health benefits coverage for same-sex spouses.

• Dana M. Nessel, Nessel & Kessel Law
• Robert A. Sedler, Distinguished Professor of Law, Wayne State University Law School
• Gail D. Cober, Director—Detroit Field Office, EEOC
• Christopher A. McMican, Miller Canfield PLC

5:00–6:00 p.m. Roundtable Discussions
Participate in discussions led by experienced employment law practitioners, in-house counsel, and agency representatives—including one of the EEOC trial attorneys litigating the historic Harris Funeral Homes case alleging sex discrimination against a transgender individual. Topics will include:

• Employers' obligations with respect to benefits and the Family Medical Leave Act in light of the changing definition of marriage; and
• Accommodating and/or balancing LGBTQ issues and religious views in the workplace.

6:00–8:00 p.m. Networking and Socializing
Enjoy the company of colleagues and friends, the beautiful atmosphere of the Reserve, as well as complimentary beer, wine, and hors d'oeuvres.