Boston: Uber-Like Service for Women Won't Face Legal Issues, Firm's Lawyer Says
Following the question of critics regarding the legality of the soon-to-open Uber-like service in Boston starring women drivers, the firm's lawyer has recently clarified that legal issues circling on sex discrimination won't hamper the business.
Chase Liu, the company's lawyer, told the Worcester Telegram & Gazette that courts will support the firm's cause since sex isn't a basis of hiring employees when privacy, security, and safety are at stake. "Courts have long held that hiring on the basis of sex is permissible where sex is a bona fide occupational qualification in the context of serving privacy interests," he explained.
Critics have been questioning the possible involvement of sex discrimination once Chariot for Women starts servicing the community. Liu iterated that the company's decision to hire women drivers is necessary to ensure the safety and privacy of their riders.
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Michael Pelletz, founder of the women-only Uber service, shared the reasons why he started the company on the official website. He used to be a part-time Uber driver but the need for money led him to be in the industry for about 17 hours a day. His wife said she would love to drive too but the reports of women being harassed scared her.
Pelletz went on to create Chariot for Women on February 9, 2016 after experiencing an unsafe ride with a customer who passed out and babbled multiple times on his taxi. He felt driven to make a change that would mark the beginning of safe rides not only for men but more importantly for women customers.
Despite Pelletz's reasons, civil rights lawyers told Boston Globe that there will likely be several legal battles that the organization will face in the future. Employment law specialist Joseph Sulman told the outlet that courts have a "really strict standard" in terms of limiting the employees to one gender.
On the other hand, Pelletz and his team are ready to face whatever legal challenge the future will bring. He told Tech Crunch that he is hoping for the Supreme Court's favor if he raises concerns on safety.
Chariot for Women is expected to launch all around the U.S. on April 19.
