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

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.

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Martha Zackin