DETROIT – The federal government is accusing a Michigan funeral home and a Florida eye clinic of illegally firing transgender employees.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed lawsuits Thursday against Harris Funeral Homes of Garden City, Michigan, and Lakeland Eye Clinic of Lakeland, Florida.
The EEOC says embalmer Amiee Stephens was fired a year ago after telling her boss that she was transitioning from male to female.
The EEOC also says Brandi Branson was fired in 2011 as director of hearing services at Lakeland Eye in Florida in after saying she was undergoing a gender transition to female.
Messages seeking comment from the funeral home and the clinic weren't immediately returned.
The EEOC says it's the first time it has filed lawsuits alleging sex discrimination against people who are transgender.
