Full opinion text
OPINION & ORDER Sean F. Cox, United States District Judge In enacting Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Congress prohibited employers from discharging or otherwise discriminating against any individual with respect to , compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment “because of such individual’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.” 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(a)(1). In filing this action against Defendant R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes, Inc. (“the Funeral Home”), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sought to expand Title VII to include transgender status or gender identity as protected classes. The EEOC asserted two Title VII claims. First, it asserted a wrongful termination claim on behalf of the Funeral Home’s former funeral director Stephens, who is transgender and transitioning from male to female, claiming that it “fired Stephens because Stephens is transgender, because of Stephens’s transition from male to female, and/or because Stephens did not conform to [the Funeral Home’s] sex- or gender-based preferences, expectations, or stereotypes.” Second, it alleges that the Funeral Home engaged in an unlawful employment practice by providing work clothes to male but not female employees. This Court previously rejected the EEOC’s position that it stated a Title VII claim by virtue of alleging that Stephens’s termination was due to transgender status or gender identity — because those are not protected classes. The Court recognized, however, that under Sixth Circuit precedent, a claim was stated under the Price Waterhouse sex/gender-stereotyping theory of sex discrimination because the EEOC alleges the termination was because Stephens did not conform to the Funeral Home’s sex/gender based stereotypes as to work clothing. The matter is now before the Court on cross-motions for summary judgment. Neither party believes there are any issues of fact for trial regarding liability and each party seeks summary judgment in its favor. The motions have been fully briefed by the parties. The motions were heard by the Court on August 11, 2016. The Court shall deny the EEOC’s motion and shall grant summary judgment in favor of the Funeral Home as to the wrongful termination claim. The Funeral Home’s owner admits that he fired Stephens because Stephens intended to “dress as a woman” while at work but asserts two defenses. First, the Funeral Home asserts that its enforcement of its sex-specific dress code, which requires males to wear a pants-suit with a neck tie and requires females to wear a skirt-suit, cannot constitute impermissible sex stereotyping under Title VII. Although pre-Price Waterhouse decisions from other circuits upheld dress codes with slightly differing requirements for men and women, the Sixth Circuit has not provided any guidance on how to reconcile that previous line of authority with the more recent sex/gender-stereotyping theory of sex discrimination. Lacking such authority, and having considered the post-Price Waterhouse views that have been expressed by the Sixth Circuit, the Court rejects this defense. Second, the Funeral Home asserts that it is entitled to an exemption under the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act (“RFRA”). The Court finds that the Funeral Home has met its initial burden of showing that enforcement of Title VII, and the body of sex-stereotyping case law that has developed under it, would impose a substantial burden on its ability to conduct business in accordance with its sincerely-held religious beliefs. The burden then shifts to the EEOC to show that application of the burden “to the person:” 1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and 2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest. The Court assumes without deciding that the EEOC has shown that protecting employees from gender stereotyping in the workplace is a compelling governmental interest. Nevertheless, the EEOC has failed to show that application of the burden on the Funeral Home, under these facts, is the least restrictive means of protecting employees from gender stereotyping. If a least restrictive means is available to achieve the goal, the government must use it. This requires the government to show a degree of situational flexibility, creativity, and accommodation when putative interests clash with religious exercise. It has failed to do so here. The EEOC’s briefs do not contain any indication that the EEOC has explored the possibility of any accommodations or less restrictive means that might work under these facts. Perhaps that is because it has been proceeding as if gender identity or transgender status are protected classes under Title VII, taking the approach that the only acceptable solution would be for the Funeral Home to allow Stephens to wear a skirt-suit at work, in order to express Stephens’s female gender identity. In Price Waterhouse, the Supreme Court recognized that the intent behind Title VII’s inclusion of sex as a protected class expressed “Congress’ intent to forbid employers to take gender into account” in the employment context. Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, 490 U.S. 228, 240, 109 S.Ct. 1775, 104 L.Ed.2d 268 (1989). That is, the goal of the sex-stereotyping theory of sex discrimination is that “gender” “be irrelevant” with respect to the terms and conditions of employment and to employment decisions. Id. (emphasis added). The EEOC claims the Funeral Home fired Stephens for failing to conform to the masculine gender stereotypes expected as to work clothing and that Stephens has a Title VII right not to be subject to gender stereotypes in the workplace. Yet the EEOC has not challenged the Funeral Home’s sex-specific dress code, that requires female employees to wear a skirt-suit and requires males to wear a pants-suit with a neck tie. Rather, the EEOC takes the position that Stephens has a Title VII right to “dress as a woman” (ie., dress in a stereotypical feminine manner) while working at the Funeral Home, in order to express Stephens’s gender identity. If the compelling interest is truly in eliminating gender stereotypes, the Court fails to see why the EEOC couldn’t propose a gender-neutral dress code as a reasonable accommodation that would be a less restrictive means of furthering that goal under the facts presented here. But the EEOC has not even discussed such an option, maintaining that Stephens must be allowed to wear a skirt-suit in order to express Stephens’s gender identity. If the compelling governmental interest is truly in removing or eliminating gender stereotypes in the workplace in terms of clothing (ie., making gender “irrelevant”), the EEOC’s chosen manner of enforcement in this action does not accomplish that goal. This Court finds that the EEOC has not met its demanding burden. As a result, the Funeral Home is entitled to a RFRA exemption from Title VII, and the body of sex-stereotyping case law that has developed under it, under the facts and circumstances of this unique case. As to the clothing allowance claim, the underlying EEOC administrative investigation uncovered possible unlawful discrimination of a kind not raised by the charging party and not affecting the charging party. As such, under the Sixth Circuit precedent, the proper procedure is for the filing of a charge by a member of the EEOC and for a full EEOC investigation of that new claim. Because the EEOC did not do that, it cannot proceed with that claim in this action. The clothing allowance claim shall be dismissed without prejudice. BACKGROUND The EEOC filed this action on September 25, 2014. The First Amended Complaint is the operative complaint. The EEOC asserts two different Title VII claims against the Funeral Home. First, it asserts that the Funeral Home violated Title VII by terminating Stephens because of sex. That is, the EEOC alleges that the Funeral Home’s “decision to fire Stephens was motivated by sex-based considerations. Specifically, [the Funeral Home] fired Stephens because Stephens is transgender, because of Stephens’s transition from male to female, and/or because Stephens did not conform to [the Funeral Home’s] sex- or gender-based preferences, expectations, or stereotypes.” (Am. Compl. at ¶ 15). Second, the EEOC alleges that the Funeral Home violated Title VII “by providing a clothing allowance / work clothes to male employees but failing to provide such assistance to female employees because of sex.” (Id. at ¶ 17). Following the close of discovery, each party filed its own motion for summary judgment. This Court’s practice guidelines, which are expressly included in the Scheduling Order issued in this ease, provide, consistent -with Fed. R. Civ. P. 56 (c) and (e), that: a. The moving party’s papers shall include a separate document entitled Statement of Material Facts Not in Dispute. The statement shall list in separately numbered paragraphs concise statements of each undisputed material fact, supported by appropriate citations to the record... b. In response, the opposing party shall file a separate document entitled Counter-Statement of Disputed Facts. The Counter-Statement shall list in separately numbered paragraphs following the order or the movant’s statement, whether each of the facts asserted by the moving party is admitted or denied and shall also be supported by appropriate citations to the record. The Counter-Statement shall also include, in a separate section, a list of each issue of material fact as to which it is contended there is a genuine issue for trial. c. All material facts as set forth in the Statement of Material Facts Not in Dispute shall be deemed admitted unless controverted in the Counter-Statement of Disputed Facts. (D.E. No. 19 at 2-3). In compliance with this Court’s guidelines, in support of its motion, the EEOC filed a “Statement of Material Facts Not In Dispute” (D.E. No. 52) (“Pl.’s Stmt. A”). In response to that submission, the Funeral Home filed a “Counter-Statement of Disputed Facts” (D.E. No. 61) (“Defs Stmt. A”). In support of its motion, the Funeral Home filed a “Statement of Material Facts Not In Dispute” (D.E. No. 55) (Def.’s Stmt. B”). In response, the EEOC filed a Counter-Statement of Disputed Facts” (D.E. No. 64) (“Pl.’s Stmt. B”). Notably, neither party believes that there are any genuine issues of material fact for trial regarding liability. (See D.E. 64 at Pg ID 2087, “The Commission does not believe there are any genuine issues of material fact regarding liability for trial;” D.E. No. 61 at Pg ID 1841, “[the Funeral Home] avers that none of the facts in dispute is material to the legal claims at issue”). The following relevant facts are undisputed. The Funeral Home and Its Ownership The Funeral Home has been in business since 1910. The Funeral Home is a closely-held, for-profit corporation owned and operated by Thomas Rost (“Rost”). (Stmts. B at ¶ 1). Rost owns 94.5 % of the shares of the Funeral Home. (Stmts. A at ¶ 19). The remaining shares are owned by his children. (Stmts. B at ¶ 8). Rost’s grandmother was a funeral director for the business up until 1950. (Rost Aff. at ¶ 52). Rost has been the owner of the Funeral Home for over thirty years. Rost has been the President of the Funeral Home for thirty-five years and is the sole officer of the corporation. (Stmts. B at ¶¶ 9-10). The Funeral Home has three locations in Michigan: Detroit, Livonia, and Garden City. The Funeral Home is not affiliated with or part of any church and its articles of incorporation do not avow any religious purpose. (Stmts. A at ¶¶ 25-26). Its employees are not required to hold any religious views. (Id. at ¶ 27). The Funeral Home serves clients of every religion (various Christian denominations, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, native Chinese religions) or none at all. (Stmts. A at ¶ 30). It employs people from different religious denominations, and of no religious beliefs at all. (Id. at ¶ 37). The Funeral Home’s Dress Code Both parties attached the Funeral Home’s written Employee Manual as an exhibit to the pending motions. It contains the following regarding dress code: DRESS CODE September 1998 For all Staff: To create and maintain our reputation as “Detroit’s Finest”, it is fundamentally important and imperative that every member of our staff shall always be distinctively attired and impeccably groomed, whenever they are contacting the public as representatives of The Harris Funeral Home. Special attention should be given to the following consideration, on all funerals, all viewings, all calls, or on any other funeral work, MEN SUITS BLACK GRAY, OR DARK BLUE ONLY (as selected) with conservative styling. Coats should be buttoned at all times. Fasten only the middle button on a three button coat. If vests are worn, they should match the suit. Sweaters are not acceptable as a vest. NOTHING should be carried in the breast pocket except glasses which are not in a case. SHIRTS WHITE OR WHITE ON WHITE ONLY, with regular medium length collars. (Button-down style collars are NOT acceptable). Shirts should always be clean. Collars must be neat. TIES As selected by company; or very similar. SOCKS PLAIN BLACK OR DARK BLUE SOCKS. SHOES BLACK OR DARK BLUE ONLY. (Sport styles, high tops or suede shoes are not acceptable). Shoes should always be well polished. PART TIME MEN — Should wear conservative, dark, business suits, avoiding light brown, light blue, light gray, or large patterns. All part time personnel should follow all details of dress as specified, as near as possible. FUNERAL DIRECTORS ON DUTY— Are responsible for the appearance of the staff assisting them on services and are responsible for personnel on evening duty. WOMEN Because of the particular nature of our business, please dress conservatively. A suit or a plain conservative dress would be appropriate, or as furnished by funeral home. Avoid prints, bright colored materials and large flashy jewelry. A sleeve is necessary, a below elbow sleeve is preferred. Uniformity creates a good impression and good impressions are vitally important for both your own personal image and that of our Company. Our visitors should always associate us with clean, neat and immaculately attired men and women. (D.E. No. 54-20 at Pg ID 1486-87) (underlining and capitalization in original). In addition, it is understood at the Funeral Home that men who interact with the public are required to wear a business suit (pants and jacket) with a neck tie, and women who interact with the public are generally required to wear a business suit that consists of a skirt and business jacket. (Stmts. B at 51; D.E. No. 54-11 at Pg ID 1423). The Funeral Home administers its dress code based upon its employees’ biological sex. (Stmts. B at ¶ 51). Employees at the Funeral Home have been disciplined in the past for failing to abide by the dress code. (Stmts. B at ¶ 60). Stephens’s Employment And Subsequent Termination The Funeral Home hired Stephens in October of 2007. At that time, Stephens’s legal name was Anthony Stephens. All of the Funeral Home’s employment records pertaining to Stephens — including driver’s license, tax records, and mortuary science license — identify Stephens as a male. (Stmts. B at ¶ 63). Stephens served as a funeral director/embalmer for the Funeral Home for nearly six years under the name Anthony Stephens. (Stmts. A at ¶¶ 1-2). On July 31, 2013, Stephens provided the Funeral Home/Rost with a letter that stated, in pertinent part: Dear Friends and Co-Workers: I have known many of you for some time now, and I count you all as my friends. What I must tell you is very difficult for me and is taking all the courage I can muster. I am writing this both to inform you of a significant change in my life and to ask for your patience, understanding, and support, which I would treasure greatly. I have a gender identity disorder that I have struggled with my entire life. I have managed to hide it very well all these years... ... It is a birth defect that needs to be fixed. I have been in therapy for nearly four years now and have been diagnosed as a transexual. I have felt imprisoned in my body that does not match my mind, and this has caused me great despair and loneliness. With the support of my loving wife, I have decided to become the person that my mind already is. I cannot begin to describe the shame and suffering that I have lived with. Toward that end, I intend to have sex reassignment surgery. The first step I must take is to live and work full-time as a woman for one year. At the end of my vacation on August 26, 2013, I will return.to tvork as my true self, Amiee Australia Stephens, in appropriate business attire. I realize that some of you may have trouble understanding this... It is my wish that I can continue my work at R.G. & G. R. Harris Funeral Homes doing what I have always done, which is ■my best! (D.E No. 53-22) (emphasis added). It is undisputed that Stephens intended to abide by the Funeral Home’s dress code for its female employees — which would be to wear a skirt-suit. (Stmts. A at ¶ 8; Stmts. B at ¶ 51; D.E. No. 54-11 at Pg ID 1423; see also D.E. No. 51 at Pg ID 605, and First Am. Compl. at 4). Stephens hand-delivered a copy of the letter to Rost. (Rost Dep. at 110). Rost made the decision to fire Stephens by himself and did so on August 15, 2013. (Stmts. A at ¶¶ 10, 12-13; Rost Dep. at 117-18). Rost privately feed Stephens in person. (Stmts. A at ¶ 11). Rost testified: Q. Okay. How did you fire Stephens: how did you let Ms. Stephens know that she was being released? A. Well, I said to him, just before he was — it was right before he was going to go on vacation and I just — I said — I just said “Anthony, this is not going to work out. And that your services would no longer be needed here.” (Rost Dep. at 126). Stephens also testified that Rost said it was not going to work out. (Stephens Dep. at 80). Stephens’s understanding from that conversation was that “coming to work dressed as a woman was not going to be acceptable.” (Id.). It was a brief conversation and Stephens left the facility. (Rost Dep. at 127). After being terminated, Stephens met with an attorney and ultimately filed a charge of discrimination with the EEOC. (Stephens Dep. at 79-80; D.E. No. 54-22). The EEOC charge filed by Stephens checked the box for “sex” discrimination and indicated that the discrimination took place from July 31, 2013 to August 15, 2013. (D.E. No. 54-22 at Pg ID 1497). The charge stated “the particulars” of the claimed sex discrimination as follows: I began working for the above-named employer on 01 October 2007; I was last employed as a Funeral Director/Embalmer. On or about 31 July 2013, I notified management that I would be undergoing gender transitioning and that on 26 August 2013,1 would return to work as my true self, a female. On 15 August 2013, my employment was terminated. The only explanation I was given was that management did not believe the public would be accepting of my transition. Moreover, during my entire employment I know there are no other female Funeral Directors/Embalmers. I ean only conclude that I have been discharged due to my sex and gender identity, female, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. (Id.). Administrative EEOC Proceedings During the EEOC administrative proceedings, the Funeral Home filed a response to the Charge of Discrimination that stated, among other things, that it has a written dress code policy and that Stephens was terminated because Stephens refused to comply with that dress code. (D.E. No. 63-16). During the administrative investigation, the EEOC discovered that male employees at the Funeral Home were provided with work clothing and that female employees were not. (D.E. No. 63-3, March 2014 On-site Memo). On June 5, 2014, the EEOC issued its “Determination.” (D.E. No. 63-4). It stated, in pertinent part: The Charging Party alleged that she was discharged due to her sex and gender identity, female, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Evidence gathered during the course of the investigation reveals that there is reasonable cause to believe that the Charging Party’s allegations are true. Like and related and growing out of this investigation, the Commission found probable cause to believe that the Respondent discriminated against its female employees by providing male employees with a clothing benefit which was denied to females, in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. (D.E. No. 63-4) Complaint, Amended Complaint, and Affirmative Defenses The EEOC filed this civil action against the Funeral Home on September 25, 2014, asserting its two claims. As its first responsive pleading, the Funeral Home filed a Motion to Dismiss seeking dismissal of the wrongful termination claim. This Court denied that motion, ruling that the EEOC’s complaint stated a claim on behalf of Stephens for sex-stereotyping sex-discrimination under binding Sixth Circuit authority. (See 4/23/15 Opinion, D.E. No. 13). This Court rejected, however, the EEOC’s position that its complaint stated a Title VII claim on behalf of Stephens by virtue of alleging that the Funeral Home fired Stephens because of transgender status or gender identity. (See D.E. No. 13 at Pg ID 188) (noting that “like sexual orientation, transgender or transsexual status is currently not a protected class under Title VII.”). On April 29, 2015, the Funeral Home filed its Answer and Affirmative Defenses. (D.E. No. 14). On May 15, 2015, the EEOC sought to file a First Amended Complaint, in order to correct the spelling of Stephens’s first name. That First Amended Complaint, that contains the same two claims, was filed on June 1,2015. (D.E. No. 21). On June 4, 2015, the Funeral Home filed its Answer and Affirmative Defenses to the EEOC’s First Amended Complaint, (D.E. No. 22). In it, the Funeral Home included additional affirmative defenses, including: 1) “The EEOC’s claims violate the Funeral Home’s right to free exercise of religion under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution;” and 2) “The EEOC’s claims violate the Funeral Home’s rights under the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).” (Id. at Pg ID 254). Relevant Discovery In This Action a. Termination Decision Again, Rost made the decision to terminate Stephens. (Stmts. A at ¶¶ 12-13). It is undisputed that job performance did not motivate Rost’s decision to terminate Stephens. (Stmts. A at ¶ 16). During his deposition in this action, Rost testified: Q. Okay. Why did you — what was the specific reason that you terminated Stephens? A. Well, because he — he was no longer going to represent himself as a man. He wanted to dress as a woman. Q. Okay. So he presented you this letter ... A. Number 7, yes. Q. Yeah, Exhibit 7. So just for a little background and pursuant to the question óf Mr. Price, you were presented that letter from Stephens? A. Correct. Q. Okay. And did anywhere in that letter indicate that Stephens would continue to dress under your dress code as a man in the workplace? A. No. Q. Did he ever tell you during your meeting when he handed you that letter that he would continue to. dress as a man? A. No. Q. Did he indicate that he would dress as a woman? A. Yes. Yes. Q. Okay. Is it — the reason yon fired him, was it because he claimed that he was really a woman; is that why you fired him or was it because he claimed— or that he would no longer dress as a man? A. That he would no longer dress as a man. Q. And why was that a problem? A. Well, because we — we have a dress code that is very specific that men will dress as men-, in appropriate manner, in a suit and tie that we provide and that women will conform to their dress code that we specify. Q. So hypothetically speaking, if Stephens had told you that he believed that he was a woman, but would only present as a woman outside of work, would you have terminated him? A. No. (Rost Dep. at 135-37) (emphasis added), b. Rost’s Religious Beliefs Rost also testified that the Funeral Home’s dress code comports with his religious views. (Stmts. A at ¶ 18). Rost has been a Christian for over sixty-five years. (Stmts. B at ¶ 17). He attends both Highland Park Baptist Church and Oak Pointe Church. For a time, Rost was on the deacon board of Highland Park Baptist Church. Rost is on the board of the- Detroit Salvation Army, a Christian nonprofit ministry, and has been for 15 years; he was the former Chair of the advisory board. (Smts. B at ¶¶ 18-19). The Funeral Home’s mission statement is published on its website, which reads “R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes recognize that its highest priority is to honor God in all that we do as a company and as individuals. With respect, dignity, and personal attention, our team of caring professionals strive to exceed expectations, offering options and assistance designed to facilitate healing and wholeness in serving the personal needs of family and friends as they experience a loss of life.” (Smts.' B at ¶ 21). The website also contains a Scripture verse at the bottom of the mission statement page: “But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” Matthew 5:33 (Stmts. B at ¶ 22; D.E. No. 54-16). In operating the business, Rost places, throughout the funeral homes, Christian devotional booklets called “Our Daily Bread” and small cards with Bible verses on them called “Jesus Cards.” (Stmts. B at ¶ 23). Rost sincerely believes that God has called him to serve grieving people. He sincerely believes that his “purpose in life is to minister to the grieving, and his religious faith compels him to do that important work.” (Stmts. B. at ¶31). It is also undisputed that Rost sincerely believes that the “Bible teaches that a person’s sex (whether male or female) is an immutable God-given gift and that it is wrong for a person to deny his or her God-given sex.” (Stmt. B at ¶ 28). In support of the Funeral Home’s motion, Rost submitted an affidavit. (D.E. No. 54-2). Rost operates the Funeral Home “as a ministry to serve grieving families while they endure some of the most difficult and trying times in their lives.” (Id. at ¶7). At the Funeral Home, the funeral directors are the most “prominent public representatives” of the business and are “the face that [the Funeral Home] presents to the world.” (Id. at ¶ 32). The Funeral Home “administers its dress code based on our employees’ biological sex, not based on their subjective gender identity.” (Id. at 1135). Rost believes “that the Bible teaches that God creates people male or female.” (Id. at ¶ 41). He believes that “the Bible teaches that a person’s sex is an immutable God-given gift and that people should not deny or attempt to change their sex.” (Id. at ¶ 42). Rost believes that he “would be violating God’s commands if [he] were to permit one of the [Funeral Home’s] funeral directors to deny their sex while acting as a representative of [the Funeral Home]. This would violate God’s commands because, among other reasons, [he] would be directly involved in supporting the idea that sex is a changeable social construct rather than an immutable God-given gift.” (Id. at ¶ 43). Rost believes that “the Bible teaches that it is wrong for a biological male to deny his sex by dressing as a woman.” (Id. at ¶44). Rost believes that he “would be violating God’s commands” if he were to permit one of the Funeral Home’s male funeral directors to wear the skirt-suit uniform for female directors while at work because Rost “would be directly involved in supporting the idea that sex is a changeable social construct rather than an immutable God-given gift.” (Id. at ¶ 45). If Rost “were forced as the owner of [the Funeral Home] to violate [his] sincerely held religious beliefs by paying for or otherwise permitting one of [his] employees to dress inconsistent with his or her biological sex, [Rost] would feel significant pressure to sell [the] business and give up [his] life’s calling of ministering to grieving people as a funeral home director and owner.” (Id. at ¶ 48). Rost’s Affidavit also states that he “would not have dismissed Stephens if Stephens had expressed [to Rost] a belief that he is a woman and an intent to dress or otherwise present as a woman outside of work, so long as he would have continued to conform to the dress code for male funeral directors while at work. It was Stephens’s refusal to wear the prescribed uniform and intent to violate the dress code while at work that was the decisive consideration in [his] employment decision.” (Id. at ¶ 50). Rost “would not discharge or otherwise discipline employees who dress as members of the opposite sex on their own time but comply with the dress code while on the job.” (Id. at ¶ 51). c. Clothing Benefits The Funeral Home provides its male employees who interact with clients, including funeral directors, with suits and ties free of charge. (Stmts. A at ¶42). Upon hire, full-time male employees who interact with the public are provided two suits and two ties, while part-time male employees who interact with the public are provided one suit and tie. (Stmts. A at ¶ 47). After those initial suits are provided, the Funeral Home replaces them as needed. (Id. at ¶ 48). The Funeral Home spends about $225 per suit and $10 per tie. (Id. at ¶ 52). It is undisputed that benefits were not always provided to female employees. Starting in October of 2014, however, the Funeral Home began providing female employees who interact with the public with an annual clothing stipend that ranged from $75.00 for part-time employees to $150.00 for full-time employees. (See Stmts. A at ¶ 54; Rost Dep. at 15-16). In addition, the Funeral Home affirmatively states that it will offer the same type of clothing allowance that it provides to male funeral directors to any female funeral directors in the future: the Funeral Home “will provide female funeral directors with skirt suits in the' same manner that it provides pant suits to male funeral directors.” (Rost Aff. at ¶ 54). STANDARD OF DECISION Summary judgment will be granted where there exists no genuine issue of material fact. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986). No genuine issue of material fact exists where “the record taken as a whole could not lead a rational trier of fact to find for the non-moving party.” Matsushita Elect. Indus. Co., Ltd. v. Zenith Radio Corp., 475 U.S. 574, 587, 106 S.Ct. 1348, 89 L.Ed.2d 538 (1986). ANALYSIS Under Title VII, it is an “unlawful employment practice” for an employer to “discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment” because of such individual’s sex. 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(a). “We take these words to mean that gender must be irrelevant to employment decisions.” Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, 490 U.S. 228, 240, 109 S.Ct. 1775, 104 L.Ed.2d 268 (1989) (emphasis added). Here, the EEOC asserts that the Funeral Home violated Title VII in two ways. I. Title VII Wrongful Termination Claim On Behalf Of Stephens The EEOC alleges that Stephens was terminated in violation of Title VII under a Price Waterhouse sex-stereotyping theory of sex discrimination. That is, the EEOC alleges that the Funeral Home violated Title VII by firing Stephens because Stephens did not conform to the Funeral Home’s sex/gender based stereotypes as to work clothing. This Court previously denied a Motion to Dismiss filed by the Funeral Home and ruled that the EEOC’s complaint stated a Price Waterhouse sex/gender-stereotyping claim under Title VII. (See D.E. No. 13), That ruling was based on several Sixth Circuit cases that establish that a transgender person — just like anyone else — can bring such a claim under Title VII. See Smith v. City of Salem, Ohio, 378 F.3d 566 (6th Cir.2004) (“Sex stereotyping based on a person’s gender non-conforming behavior is impermissible discrimination, irrespective of the cause of that behavior; a label, such as ‘transsexual,’ is not fatal to a sex discrimination claim where the victim has suffered discrimination because of his or her gender non-conformity.”); Barnes v. City of Cincinnati, 401 F.3d 729 (6th Cir. 2005); Myers v. Cuyahoga County, Ohio, 182 Fed.Appx. 510 (6th Cir.2006). The Court includes here some aspects of those decisions that bear on the positions advanced by the parties in the pending motions. First, the Sixth Circuit has gone a bit further than other courts in terms of the reach of a sex-stereotyping claim after Price Waterhouse and spoke of discrimination against men who wear dresses: After Price Waterhouse, an employer who discriminates against women because, for instance, they do not wear dresses or makeup, is engaging in sex discrimination because the discrimination would not occur but for the victim’s sex. It follows that employers who discriminate against men because they do wear dresses and makeup, or otherwise act femininely, are also engaging in sex discrimination, because the discrimination would not occur but for the victim’s sex. Smith, 378 F.3d at 574 (emphasis in original). Second, the cases indicate that Title VII sex-stereotyping claims follow the same analytical framework followed in other Title VII cases, including the McDonnell Douglas burden-shifting paradigm. See e.g., Myers, 182 Fed.Appx. at 519. It is well-established that, at the summary judgment stage, a plaintiff must adduce either direct or circumstantial evidence to proceed with a Title VII claim. Upshaw v. Ford Motor Co., 576 F.3d 576, 584 (6th Cir.2009); DiCarlo v. Potter, 358 F.3d 408, 414 (6th Cir.2004). The EEOC’s Motion for Summary Judgment asserts that, based on Rost’s testimony, it has direct evidence that the Funeral Home fired Stephens based on sex stereotypes and it is therefore entitled to summary judgment. That appears to be a solid argument, as the “ultimate question” as to the Title VII sex-stereotyping claim is whether the Funeral Home fired Stephens “because of [Stephens’s] failure to conform to sex stereotypes,” Bames, 401 F.3d at 738, and Rost testified: Q. Okay. Why did you — what was the specific reason that you terminated Stephens? A. Well, because he — he was no longer going to represent himself as a man. He wanted to dress as a woman, Q. Did he indicate that he would dress as a woman? A. Yes. Yes. Q. Okay. Is it — the reason you fired him, was it because he claimed that he was really a woman; is that why you fired him or was it because he claimed — or that he would no longer dress as a man? A. That he would no longer dress as a man. Q. And why was that a problem? A. Well, because we — we ham a dress code that is very specific that men will dress as men; in appropriate manner, in a suit and tie that we provide and that women will conform to their dress code that we specify. Q. So hypothetically speaking, if Stephens had told you that he believed that he was a woman, but would only present as a woman outside of work, would you have terminated him? A. No. (Rost Dep. at 135-37) (emphasis added). Thus, while this Court does not often see cases where there is direct evidence to support a claim of employment discrimination, it appears to exist here. The Funeral Home asserts that the EEOC’s motion should be denied, and that summary judgment should be entered in its favor,'based upon two defenses. First, it asserts that its enforcement of its sex-specific dress code does not constitute impermissible sex stereotyping under Title VII. Second, the Funeral Home asserts that RFRA prohibits the EEOC from applying Title VII to force the Funeral Home to violate its sincerely held religious beliefs. A. The Court Rejects The Funeral Home’s Sex-Specific Dress-Code Defense. The Funeral Home argues that its enforcement of its sex-specific dress code cannot constitute impermissible sex stereotyping under Title VII. It asserts that several courts have concluded that sex-specific dress codes and grooming policies that impose equal burdens on men and women do not violate Title VII. The Funeral Home essentially asks the Court to rule that its sex-specific dress code operates as a . defense to the wrongful termination claim because the Funeral Home’s dress code does not impose an unequal burden on male and female employees. The Funeral Home relies primarily on two cases to support its position: 1) Jespersen v. Hamah’s Operating Co., 444 F.3d 1104 (9th Cir.2006) (en banc); and 2) Barker v. Taft Broadcasting Co., 549 F.2d 400 (6th Cir.1977). As explained below, the Court concludes that this defense must be rejected because: 1) the sex-specific dress code cases that the Funeral Home relies on involved claims that challenged an employer’s dress code as violative of Title VII, and this case involves no such claim; 2) the Funeral Home’s argument is based upon a nonbinding, decision of the Ninth Circuit; 3) the Ninth Circuit decision is divided and the dissent is more in line with the views expressed by the Sixth Circuit as to post-Price Waterhouse sex-stereotyping claims; and 4) the only Sixth Circuit case on dress codes cited by the Funeral Home is from 1977 — a decade before Price Waterhouse was decided. Unlike the cases that the Funeral Home relies on, as the EEOC and -ACLU both note, the EEOC has not asserted any claims in this action based upon the Funeral Home’s dress code policy. That is, the Funeral Home’s sex-specific dress code policy has not been challenged by the EEOC in .this action. Rather, the dress code is only being injected because the Funeral Home is using its dress code as a defense to the Title VII sex-stereotyping claim asserted on behalf of Stephens, Indeed, the Funeral Home listed this as an affirmative defense: The EEOC’s claims are barred by virtue of the fact that--the Funeral Home was legally justified in any and all acts of which the EEOC complains, including but not limited to the Funeral Home’s right to impose sex-specific dress codes on its employees. ■ ■ ■ (D.E. No. 14 at Pg ID 202)-. The primary case the Funeral Home relies on is Jespersen. In that case, the Ninth Circuit issued an en banc decision in order to clarify its “circuit law concerning appearance and grooming standards, and to clarify [its] evolving law of sex stereotyping claims.” Jespersen, 444 F.3d at 1105. In that case, the plaintiff was a female bartender who was terminated from her position after she refused to follow the company’s “Personal Best” policy, which required female employees to. wear specified make-up and prohibited male employees from wearing any makeup. The plaintiff alleged that the policy discriminated against women by: 1) subjecting them to terms and conditions of employment to which men are not similarly subjected; and 2) requiring that women conform to sex-based stereotypes as a term and condition of employment. The majority affirmed the district court’s dismissal of the plaintiffs claims. In doing so, the majority stated: We agree with the district court and the panel majority that on this record, Jes-persen has failed to present evidence sufficient to survive summary judgment on her claim that the policy imposes an unequal burden on women. With respect to sex stereotyping, we hold that appearance standards, including makeup requirements, may well be the subject of a Title VII claim for sexual stereotyping, but that on this record Jespersen has failed to create any triable issue of fact that the challenged policy was part of a policy motivated by sex stereotyping. We therefore affirm. Id. at 1106 (emphasis added). Even though the majority affirmed the district court, it emphasized that it was “not preclud[ing], as a matter of law, a claim of sex-stereotyping on the basis of dress or appearance codes. Others may well be filed, and any bases for such claims refined as law in this area evolves.” Id. at 1113. Moreover, the dissent lays out a cogent explanation as to why the plaintiff in that case had a sex-stereotyping claim under Pnce Waterhouse: I agree with the majority that appearance standards and grooming policies may be subject to Title VII claims... I part ways with the majority, however, inasmuch as I believe that the “Personal Best” program was part of a policy motivated by sex stereotyping and that Jes-persen’s termination for failing to comply with the program’s requirements was “because of’ her sex. Accordingly, I dissent from Part III of the majority opinion and from the judgment of the court. Jespersen’s evidence showed that Hur-rah’s fired her because she did not comply with a grooming policy that imposed a facial uniform (full makeup) on only female bartenders. Harrah’s stringent “Personal Best” policy required female beverage servers to wear foundation, blush, mascara, and lip color, and to ensure that lip color was on at all times. Jespersen and her female colleagues were required to meet with professional image consultants who in turn created a facial template for each woman. Jesper-sen was required not simply to wear makeup; in addition, the consultants dictated where and how the makeup had to be applied. Quite simply, her termination for failing to comply with a grooming policy that imposed a facial uniform on only female bartenders is discrimination “because of’ sex. Such discrimination is clearly and unambiguously impermissible under Title VII, which requires that “gender must be irrelevant to employment decisions.” Price Waterhouse v. Hopkins, 490 U.S. 228, 240, 109 S.Ct. 1775, 104 L.Ed.2d 268 (1989) (plurality opinion) (emphasis added). Jespersen, 444 F.3d at 1113-14. The dissent noted that “Price Waterhouse recognizes that gender discrimination may manifest itself in stereotypical notions as to how women should dress and present themselves” and cited the Sixth Circuit’s decision in Smith, wherein it had stated “[ajfter Price Waterhouse, an employer who discriminates against women because, for instance, they do not wear dresses or makeup, is engaging in sex discrimination because the discrimination would not occur but for the victim’s sex.” Jespersen, 444 F.3d at 1115 (quoting Smith, supra). The dissent further stated, “I believe that the fact that Harrah’s designed and promoted a policy that required women to conform to a sex stereotype by wearing full makeup is sufficient ‘direct evidence’ of discrimination.” Id. The dissent concluded that the plaintiff presented a “classic case” of Price Waterhouse discrimination. Id. at 1116. The Funeral Home has not directed the Court to any cases wherein the Sixth Circuit has endorsed the majority view in Jespersen. And the only Sixth Circuit dress-code case that it cites is from 1977— a decade before Price Waterhouse was decided. In pre-Price Waterhouse decisions, dating back to the 1970’s, other circuits have held that employer personal appearance codes with differing requirements for men and women do not violate Title VII as long as there is “some justification in commonly accepted social norms and are reasonably related to the employer’s business needs.” Carroll v. Talman Fed. Savings & Loan, 604 F.2d 1028, 1032 (7th Cir.1979); see also Fountain v. Safeway Stores, Inc., 566 F.2d 763, 755 (9th Cir.1977) (“regulations promulgated by employers which require male employees to conform to different grooming and dress standards than female employees is not sex discrimination within the meaning of Title VII.”). In Barker v. Taft Broadcasting, Co., 549 F.2d 400 (6th Cir. 1977), a majority of a Sixth Circuit panel expressed a similar view, ruling that an employer’s grooming code that required a shorter hair length for men than women did not violate Title VII, while the dissent concluded that a Title VII claim was stated. But the Sixth Circuit has not provided any post-Price Waterhouse guidance as to whether sex-specific dress codes, that have slightly differing clothing requirements for men and women, either violate Title VII or provide a defense to a sex stereotyping claim. This evolving area of the law - how to reconcile this previous line of authority regarding sex-specific dress/grooming codes with the more recent sex/gender-stereotyping theory of sex discrimination under Title VII — has not been addressed by the Sixth Circuit. Lacking such guidance, this Court finds that the dissent in Jespersen appears more in line with the post-Price Waterhouse views that have been expressed by the Sixth Circuit. This is illustrated by a comparison of the majority’s ruling in Jesper-sen to the portion of the Sixth Circuit’s decision in Smith that was quoted by the dissent in Jespersen: The majority in Jespersen upheld the dismissal of a sex discrimination claim where the female plaintiff was terminated for not complying with a policy that required women (but not men) to wear makeup. “After Price Waterhouse, an employer who discriminates against women because, for instance, they do not wear dresses or makeup, is engaging in sex discrimination because the discrimination would not occur but for the victim’s sex.” Smith, supra, at 1115. It appears unlikely that the Smith court would allow an employer like the employer in Jespersen to avoid liability for a Title VII sex-stereotyping claim simply by virtue of having put its gender-based stereotypes into a formal policy. Accordingly, for all of these reasons, the Court rejects the Funeral Home’s sex-specific dress code defense to the Title VII sex-stereotyping claim asserted on behalf of Stephens in this case. B. The Funeral Home Is Entitled To A RFRA Exemption Under The Unique Facts And Circumstances Presented Here. The Funeral Home also argues that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (“RFRA”) prohibits the EEOC from applying Title VII to force the Funeral Home to violate its sincerely held religious beliefs. It asserts this defense on the heels of the Supreme Court’s decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., — U.S.-, 134 S.Ct. 2751, 189 L.Ed.2d 675 (2014). “Congress enacted RFRA in 1993 in order to provide very broad protection for religious liberty. RFRA’s enactment came three years after” the Supreme Court’s decision in Employment Div., Dept. of Human Resources of Ore. v. Smith, 494 U.S. 872, 110 S.Ct. 1595, 108 L.Ed.2d 876 (1990), “which largely repudiated the method of analyzing free-exercise claims that had been used” in cases such as Sherbert v. Verner and Wisconsin v. Yoder. Hobby Lobby, 134 S.Ct. at 2760. In short, in Smith, the Supreme Court rejected the previous balancing test set forth in Sherbert and “held that, under the First Amendment, ‘neutral, generally applicable laws may be applied to religious practices even when not supported by a compelling governmental interest.’ ” Id. “Congress responded to Smith by enacting RFRA.” Hobby Lobby, 134 S.Ct. at 2761. “RFRA prohibits the “Government [from] substantially burdening] a person’s exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability” unless the Government “demonstrates that application of the burden to the person— (1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.” 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000bb-l(a), (b) (emphasis added). The majority in Hobby Lobby further held: “[L]aws [that are] ‘neutral’ toward religion,” Congress found, “may burden religious exercise as surely as laws intended to interfere with religious exercise.” 42 U.S.C. § 2000bb(a)(2); see also § 2000bb(a)(4). In order to ensure broad protection for religious liberty, RFRA provides that “Government shall not substantially burden a person’s exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability.” § 2000bb-l(a). If the Government substantially burdens a person’s exercise of religion, under the Act that person is entitled to an exemption from the rule unless the Government “demonstrates that application of the burden to the person — (1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.” § 2000bb-l(b). Id. at 2761. One of the stated purposes of RFRA is to provide a “defense to persons whose religious exercise is substantially burdened by the government.” 42 U.S.C. § 2000bb(b)(2). RFRA provides that “[a] person whose religious exercise has been burdened in violation of this section may assert that violation as a claim or defense in a judicial proceeding.” 42 U.S.C. § 2000bb-|(c) (emphasis added). By its terms, RFRA “applies to all Federal law, and the implementation of that law, whether statutory or otherwise, and whether adopted before or after November 16, 1993.” 42 U.S.C. § 2000bb-3(a) (emphasis added). 1. The Funeral Home Is Entitled To Protection Under RFRA And RFRA Applies To The EEOC, A Federal Agency. The majority in Hobby Lobby concluded that a for-profit corporation is considered a “person” for purposes of RFRA protection. Hobby Lobby, 134 S.Ct. at 2768-69. The Funeral Home, a for-profit, closely-held corporation, is therefore entitled to protection under RFRA. RFRA applies to the “government,” which is defined to include “a branch, department, agency, instrumentality, and official (or other person acting under color of law) of the United States.” 42 U.S.C. § 2000bb-2(l) (emphasis added). On its face, the statute applies to the EEOC, a federal agency, and the EEOC has not argued otherwise. 2. The Funeral Home Has Met Its Initial Burden Of Establishing That Compliance With Title YII “Substantially Burdens” Its Exercise Of Religion. If RFRA applies in this case, then the Court “must next ask” whether the law at issue “substantially burdens” the Funeral Home’s exercise of religion. Hobby Lobby, 134 S.Ct. at 2776. “Whether a government action substantially burdens a plaintiffs religious exercise is a question of law for a court to decide.” Singh v. McHugh, 185 F.Supp.3d 201, 210, 2016 WL 2770874 at *5 (D.C.Cir.2016). As the challenging party, the Funeral Home has the initial burden of showing a substantial burden on its exercise of religion. For purposes of RFRA, “exercise of religion” includes “any exercise of religion, whether or not compelled by, or central to, a system of religious beliefs.” Hobby Lobby, 134 S.Ct. at 2762. Moreover, the majority in Hobby Lobby explained that the “question that RFRA presents” is whether the law at issue “imposes a substantial burden on the ability of the objecting parties to conduct business in accordance with their religious beliefs.” Hobby. Lobby, 134 S.Ct. at 2778 (emphasis in original). Thus, the question becomes whether the law at issue here, Title VII and the body of sex-stereotyping case law that has developed under it, imposes a substantial burden on the ability of the Funeral Home to conduct business in accordance with its religious beliefs. The Court concludes that the Funeral Home has shown that it does. Rost has been a Christian for over sixty-five years. The Funeral Home’s mission statement is published on its website, which reads “R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes recognize that its highest priority is to honor God in all that we do as a company and as individuals. With respect, dignity, and personal attention, our team of caring professionals strive to exceed expectations, offering options and assistance designed to facilitate healing and wholeness in serving the personal needs of family and friends as they experience a loss of life.” (Smts. B at ¶ 21). Rost believes that God has called him to serve grieving people and that his purpose in life is to minister to the grieving, and his religious faith compels him to do that important work. (Stmts. B. at ¶ 31). Rost believes that the “Bible teaches that a person’s sex (whether male or female) is an immutable God-given gift and that it is wrong for a person to deny his or her Gód-given sex.” (Stmt. B at ¶ 28). The EEOC attempts to cast the Funeral Home as asserting that it would only be substantially burdened if it were required to provide female work clothing to Stephens. (D.E. 63 at Pg ID 1935). The Funeral Home’s position is not so limited. Rost believes “that the Bible teaches that God creates people male or female.” (Id. at ¶41). He believes that “the Bible teaches that a person’s sex is an immutable God-given gift and that people should not deny or attempt to change their sex.” (Id. at ¶ 42). Rost believes that he “would be violating God’s commands” if he were to permit one of the Funeral Home’s funeral directors “to deny their sex while acting as a representative of [the Funeral Home]. This would violate God’s commands because, among other reasons, [Rost] would be directly involved in supporting the idea that sex is a changeable social construct rather than an immutable God-given gift.” (Id. at ¶ 43). Rost believes that “the Bible teaches that it is wrong for a biological male to deny his sex by dressing as a woman.” (Id. at ¶ 44). Rost believes that he “would be violating God’s commands” if he were to permit one of the Funeral Home’s biologically-male-born funeral directors to wear the skirt-suit uniform for female directors while at work, because Rost “would be directly involved in supporting the idea that sex is a changeable social construct rather than an immutable God-given gift.” (Id. at ¶ 45). Such beliefs implicate questions of religion and moral philosophy. Hobby Lobby, 134 S.Ct. at 2779. Rost sincerely believes that it would be violating God’s commands if he were to permit an employee who was born a biological male to dress in a traditionally female skirt-suit at the funeral home because doing so would support the idea that sex is a changeable social construct rather than an immutable God-given gift. The Supreme Court has directed that it is not this Court’s role to decide whether those “religious beliefs are mistaken or insubstantial.” Hobby Lobby, 134 S.Ct. at 2779. Instead, this Court’s “narrow function” is to determine if this is “an honest conviction” and, as in Hobby Lobby, there is no dispute that it is. Notably, the EEOC concedes that the Funeral Home’s religious beliefs are sincerely held. (See D.E. No. 51 at Pg ID 596 <& 612, “The Commission does not contest Defendant’s religious sincerity.”). The Court finds that the Funeral Home has shown that the burden is “substantial.” Rost has a sincere religious belief that it would be violating God’s commands if he were to permit an employee who was born a biological male to dress in a traditionally female skirt-suit at one of his funeral homes because doing so would support the idea that sex is a changeable social construct rather than an immutable God-given gift. Rost objects on religious grounds to: 1) being compelled to provide a skirt to an employee who was born a biological male; and 2) being compelled to allow an employee who was born a biological male to wear a skirt while working as a funeral director for his business. To enforce Title VII (and the sex stereotyping body of case law that has developed under it) by requiring the Funeral Home to provide a skirt to and/or allow an employee born a biological male to wear a skirt at work would impose a substantial burden on the ability of Rost to conduct his business in accordance with his sincerely-held religious beliefs. If Rost and the Funeral Home do not yield to Title VII and the body of sex stereotyping case law under it, the economic consequences for the Funeral Home could be severe — having to pay back and front pay to Stephens in connection with this case. Moreover, Rost testified that if he “were forced as the owner of [the Funeral Home] to violate [his] sincerely held religious beliefs by paying for or otherwise permitting one of [his] employees to dress inconsistent with his or her biological sex, [Rost] would feel significant pressure to sell [the] business and give up [his] life’s calling of ministering to grieving people as a funeral home director and owner.” (Rost Aff. at ¶ 48). The Court concludes that the Funeral Home has met its initial burden of showing that enforcement of Title VII, and the body of sex-stereotyping case law that has developed under it, would impose a substantial burden on the ability of the Funeral Home to conduct business in accordance with its sincerely-held religious beliefs. 3. The Funeral Home Is Entitled To An Exemption Unless The EEOC Meets Its Demanding Two-Part Burden. Once a claimant demonstrates a substantial burden to his religious exercise, that person “is entitled to an exemption from” the law unless the Government can meet its burden of showing that application of the burden “to the person:” 1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and 2) is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest. Hobby Lobby, 134 S.Ct. at 2761. The Supreme Court has described the dual justificatory burdens imposed on the government by RFRA as “the most demanding test known to constitutional law.” City ofBoeme v. P.F. Flores, 521 U.S. 507, 117 S.Ct. 2157, 2171,' 138 L.Ed.2d 624 (1997). a. The Court Assumes, Without Deciding, That The EEOC Has Met Its Compelling Governmental Interest Burden. The EEOC appears to take the position that RFRA can never succeed as a defense to a Title VII claim or that Title VII will always be presumed to serve a compelling governmental interest and be narrowly tailored for purposes of a RFRA analysis. (See D.E. No. 63 at Pg ID 1899, asserting that RFRA “does not protect employers from the mandates of Title VII” and D.E. No. 51 at Pg ID 628, asserting that the majority in Hobby Lobby “suggested in a colloquy” with the principal dissent “that Title VII serves a compelling governmental interest which cannot be overridden by RFRA.”) (emphasis added). The majority did reference employment discrimination, in discounting the dissent’s concern that the majority’s ruling may lead to widespread discrimination cloaked in religion, stating: The principal dissent raises the possibility that discrimination in hiring, for example on the basis of race, might be cloaked as religious practice to escape legal sanction. See post, at 2804 - 2805. Our decision today provides no such shield. The Government has a compelling interest in providing an equal opportunity to participate in the workforce without regard to race, and prohibitions on racial discrimination are precisely tailored to achieve that critical goal. Hobby Lobby, 134 S.Ct. at 2784. This Court does not read that paragraph as indicating that a RFRA defense can never prevail as a defense to Title VII or that Title VII is exempt from the focused analysis set forth by the majority. If that were the case, the majority would presumably have said so. It did not. Moreover, the majority stated “[t]he dissent worries about forcing the federal courts to apply RFRA to a host of claims made by litigants seeking a religious exemption from generally applicable laws, and the dissent expresses a desire to keep the courts out of this business” but noted that it was Congress that enacted RFRA and explained “[t]he wisdom of Congress’s judgment on this matter is not our concern. Our responsibility is to enforce RFRA as written.” Id. at 2784-85. And the dissent surely does not read the majority opinion as exempting Title VII (or other generally-applicable anti-discrimination laws) from a RFRA defense or the focused analysis set forth in the majority opinion: Why should decisions of this order be made by Congress or the regulatory authority, and not this Court? Hobby Lobby and Conestoga surely do not stand alone as commercial enterprises seeking exemptions from generally applicable laws on the basis of their religious beliefs. See, e.g., Newman v. Piggie Park Enterprises, Inc., 256 F.Supp. 941, 945 (D.S.C.1966) (owner of restaurant chain refused to serve black patrons base