Scenario 3 - Discrimination

Although Ashton, one of the owners of Pizza Popolis, considers himself an equal opportunity employer, he refuses to hire anyone who is not a heterosexual male or female based on his religious beliefs. Ellis, a 40-year-old woman with 5 years of experience in managing pizza restaurants applied for the position of assistant manager. Ashton hired Susan who only had two years of waitressing in a restaurant and no management experience. Ellis felt that she was discriminated against because she was a lesbian.

• Determine the bases Ellis has for a lawsuit against Ashton and Pizza Popolis. Present the arguments for both parties and select the most probable outcome. Use both state and Federal laws to address at least two theories of discrimination.