This employment case out of Iowa is interesting and has implications for both employers and employees. A dentist employer fired a ten-year female employee because he said she was too attractive and he found her irresistible. The dentist's wife also worked in the business, and when her husband began showing signs that he was attracted to the female assistant, the dentist and his wife sought counseling. The solution to saving their marriage was to fire the woman who was threatening it -- even though she did not know she was a threat.
The female employee sued on grounds of gender discrimination. But the trial court judge dismissed the case saying the made its way to the Supreme Court of Iowa, where a panel of seven all-male judges ruled 7-0 that this was not discrimination based on gender. Rather the male employer's decision to terminate the female employee was based on his desire to save his marriage.
Whether the female employee will appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court remains to be seen. If there is no issue of federal civil law, then she cannot appeal. I do not know what laws she cited in her case, but if they were based on state. law only, then this case is finished and she won't be getting anything more from the dentist. At least not monetary.
Paris Hilton should be glad she doesn't have to get a real job.
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