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Podcasts Take Two
A case against Walmart that could improve LGBT rights in the workplace
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Feb 19, 2016
Listen 6:14
A case against Walmart that could improve LGBT rights in the workplace
Over a thousand current and former employees have filed suit against the retail giant Walmart over health benefits for same sex couples.
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 15:  Customers shop at a Walmart Neighborhood Market store on August 15, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. Walmart, the world's largest retailer, reported a surprise decline in second-quarter same-store sales today. The retailer also cut its revenue and profit forecasts for the fiscal year.  (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 15: Customers shop at a Walmart Neighborhood Market store on August 15, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. Walmart, the world's largest retailer, reported a surprise decline in second-quarter same-store sales today. The retailer also cut its revenue and profit forecasts for the fiscal year. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
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Scott Olson/Getty Images
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Over a thousand current and former employees have filed  suit against the retail giant Walmart over health benefits for same sex couples.

Over a thousand current and former employees have filed  suit against the retail giant Walmart over health benefits for same sex couples.

Before 2014, Walmart denied healthcare coverage to employees with same-sex spouses even in states where gay marriage was legalized. 

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 extends protections to employees against discrimination based on sex, but not sexual orientation.

Some legal experts speculate that regardless of the outcome, the suit will create a precedent for increasing LGBT protections in the workplace. 

Josh Eidelson is a Bloomberg Businessweek reporter who covers politics, policy, and labor. 

To listen to the whole interview, click on the blue player above