Federal Court Rules Civil Rights Act Now Protects LGBT Employees On Monday, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that federal civil rights laws protect LGBT individuals in the workplace. 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals The case stems from a skydiving employee who was fired by Altitude Express Inc. for disclosing his sexual orientation. They argued that he was not protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which the Trump administration agreed with. The court came to a 10-3 vote on the decision, and it is the second court to do so.