Transgendered Person Wins Discrimination Case Against Library Of Congress

September 21, 2008 3:15 p.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Diane Schroer, a former Army Special Forces commander named David, has won a gender discrimination case after a federal judge ruled that the Library of Congress rescinded a job offer after they learned of her sex change plans.

Schroer, 52, with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, filed the case in 2005. After retiring from the military, Schroer applied as senior terrorism research analyst at the Library of Congress four years ago.

During an interview on the job offer, Schroer told an official of the library of her plans to transition from man to woman. She didn't get the job.

U.S. District Court Judge James Robinson ruled Friday that Schroer's civil rights were violated saying that the library did not have a legitimate reason to deny Schroer the post. The judge will issue a ruling on financial damages due to Schroer.

"It is especially gratifying that the court has ruled that discriminating against someone for transitioning is illegal. I knew all along that the 25 years of experience I gained defending our country didn't disappear when I transitioned, so it was hard to understand why I was being turned down for a job doing what I do best just because I'm transgender," Schroer said in a statement.

"It is tremendously gratifying to have your faith in this country, and what is fundamentally right and fair, be reaffirmed," she added.