Employment

Little Rock Catering, located in western Arkansas, provides food for special events and wedding consulting services. The business is privately owned and has seven employees. Sam, a 45-year-old lesbian, applied for the position of event services coordinator and was denied the position. Sam was highly qualified, with 10 years of experience in event planning. Mary Beth, a 21-year-old recent college graduate and member of the owner’s church, was hired.

Research the state laws on nondiscrimination in Arkansas and your state.

• On the basis of Arkansas state law and federal law, what is the probable outcome of a lawsuit based on sexual orientation discrimination?
• On the basis of Arkansas state law and federal law, what is the probable outcome of a lawsuit based on age discrimination?
• Would the outcome of a lawsuit based on sexual orientation discrimination be different if the catering company was located in your state?