In the couple of cases where endearments or compliments were alleged, the judges could hardly contain their contempt for the attorneys who brought the claims. This law is designed to protect women from abuse, not pleasantries. Now is the time to refine your sexual harassment policy and training program so that it is in the spirit of your organization's values rather than written to the letter of the law. The law should set a floor for conduct, not a ceiling. Frank sexual talk, politically incorrect opinions, casual swearing, and other forms of expression are difficult to sanction.
People believe they have freedom of speech.
Talking about sexual activity itself is not by definition offensive or degrading to women. Women often instigate it. It's hard to avoid talking about sex-related topics in the news like Hugh Grant or Lorena Bobbitt. This type of talk existed in the workplace long before women arrived. As the court noted, this would give women special rights, not equal rights.