It is unlawful for employers to refuse to hire, fire, or otherwise discriminate against employees on the bases of their gender identity or expression. Additionally, Title VII can provide protection against discrimination based on a person's gender identity or sexual orientation in many courts.Both Title VII and the Equal Pay Act (EPA) make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sex in the payment of wages or benefits. Unlike Massachusetts law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not specifically include sexual orientation or gender identity as protected classes. Under federal law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, and national origin. The court's ruling confirms the position of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). IX, or the definition(s) of sexbased harassment under Title VII (employees), M.G.L. c.