As the battle rages on between those seeking to protect the rights of all people and those seeking to restrict them, business travelers find themselves caught in the crossfire of the Supreme Court’s recent rulings upholding anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ laws. The ruling, combined with other laws that restrict access to basic reproductive and civil rights, has made it increasingly difficult for corporate travelers to navigate their way through these legal complexities.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has characterized this situation as a major problem for business travelers, and some companies have issued targeted policies to shield its employees from possible legal repercussions in states that have passed anti-abortion or anti-LGBTQ laws.
A recent law passed in Mississippi, for instance, prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This would apply to all corporate travelers in the state, regardless of their company’s beliefs.
However, other states have passed abortion bans that have raised more questions, leaving business travelers in a difficult situation. Many bans are drafted in a way that force companies to pay for travel insurance that covers expenses related to abortion-related medical care.
Meanwhile, several states have imposed religious exemptions which would effectively allow companies to refuse service to travelers on religious grounds. While only a few states have taken this drastic step, the ACLU has condemned it as a violation of the First Amendment.
In the face of these challenges, business travelers must exercise a level of discretion and caution as they navigate these environments. At the end of the day, travelers must be aware of their rights and the capabilities of their company’s policies when faced with these difficult and confusing legal matters. Doing so can help ensure that travelers remain safe and that their rights and beliefs are respected while on the road.
