ARTICLE
18 July 2013

Update: Don't Hate Me 'Cause I'm Beautiful: Termination Based On "Irresistible Attraction" Is Not Unlawful Sex Discrimination

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The Iowa Supreme Court upheld an earlier decision which held that a dentist acted legally when he fired a female employee because he had become irresistibly attracted to her.
United States Employment and HR

On January 4, we wrote that the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that a dentist acted legally when he fired a female employee because he had become irresistibly attracted to her – a situation the employer's wife, also an employee, found objectionable. Earlier today the Court, which had taken the unusual step of granting a motion for reconsideration, upheld its decision.  According to the International Business Times, the court said "such firings do not count as illegal sex discrimination because they are motivated by feelings, not gender." 

Please note that this decision may be limited to its facts, and may not reflect the law of any jurisdiction other than Iowa.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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