Padula v. Webster

822 F.2d 97 (1987)

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Padula v. Webster

United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
822 F.2d 97 (1987)

Facts

In 1982, Margaret A. Padula (plaintiff) applied for a special-agent position with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (defendant). The FBI conducted a background check of Padula, during which it discovered that Padula was gay, which she confirmed. The FBI rejected Padula’s application, claiming it was due to intense competition. As of 1975, the FBI had a policy of not hiring gay candidates, and soon after, it shifted its policy so that homosexuality was a significant factor considered during the hiring process due to concerns that a gay employee could be subject to compromise. Padula brought suit against the FBI for violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, arguing that homosexuality was a suspect or quasi-suspect classification subject to strict or heightened scrutiny. The district court granted summary judgment for the FBI, and Padula appealed.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Silberman, J.)

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