In the case of Oncale v. Sundowner Offshore Services, Inc., Anthony Oncale, an employee on a drilling platform, faced sexual harassment from his male colleagues. He reported that they subjected him to crude sexual advances, created a hostile work environment, and harassed him due to his perceived sexual orientation. Upon being dismissed after reporting this behavior, Oncale filed a lawsuit under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The case reached the Supreme Court after lower courts dismissed his claims on the grounds that Title VII did not apply to same-sex harassment.

In a pivotal decision, the Supreme Court held that Title VII's prohibition of sexual harassment applies irrespective of the gender of the harasser or the victim. Justice Antonin Scalia, writing for the majority, stated that the law was meant to protect all individuals from discrimination in the workplace based on sex. The court's ruling recognized that same-sex harassment claims are valid and enforceable under federal law, reflecting a broader interpretation of workplace protections against discrimination and harassment for all individuals.