1. As an entire class have suffered a history of social oppression evidenced by lack of ability to obtain economic mean income, adequate education, or cultural opportunity.
2. As an entire class exhibit obvious, immutable, or distinguishing characteristics, like race, color, gender or national origin, that define them as a discrete group.
3. As an entire class clearly demonstrate political powerlessness.

This means not all "minorities" are eligible for protected class status. Top corporate executives, for example, are definitely a "minority" in America. Yet they are obviously unqualified under the above criteria, because, if organized, they would represent a special interest group, not a true minority. Other groups, such as disadvantaged African Americans, rightly qualify for protected class status. Let's consider whether gays as an entire class warrant protected class status in light of each of these criteria.