AbdulRehman Foundation

Equal protection rights are constitutionally guaranteed by the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The clause states, “No State shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” This clause ensures that individuals are protected from discrimination by the government based on certain characteristics or traits.The Equal Protection Clause has been interpreted by the courts to prohibit both intentional discrimination (known as disparate treatment) and certain types of unintentional discrimination (known as disparate impact) by the government. It applies to all levels of government, including federal, state, and local authorities.The clause does not explicitly list the protected characteristics or traits, but it has been broadly interpreted to include race, color, national origin, sex, religion, and more recently, sexual orientation and gender identity. The Supreme Court has recognized these characteristics as “suspect classifications” or “quasi-suspect classifications,” meaning that any law or government action that treats individuals differently based on these characteristics must have a compelling governmental interest and be narrowly tailored to achieve that interest.Courts apply different levels of scrutiny when reviewing laws that potentially violate the Equal Protection Clause. Strict scrutiny is applied when a law or action implicates a suspect classification or fundamental right. Under strict scrutiny, the government must show that the law serves a compelling state interest and is the least restrictive means to achieve that interest. Intermediate scrutiny is applied when a law involves a quasi-suspect classification, and the government must demonstrate that the law is substantially related to an important government interest. Rational basis scrutiny is applied to laws that do not implicate suspect or quasi-suspect classifications, and the government must show that the law is rationally related to a legitimate government interest.The Equal Protection Clause has played a significant role in shaping civil rights law in the United States. It has been invoked in cases addressing racial segregation, interracial marriage, gender discrimination, and LGBTQ+ rights, among others. The interpretation and application of equal protection rights continue to evolve as new challenges and issues arise.Send a message…