NASA Background Checks

So I've been kind of ignoring the story of NASA workers who are objecting to background checks for the past couple months (I know, brilliant for the guy who's supposed to be paying attention to these things). I figured it was just another story about employees that were claiming that their privacy is being invaded.

Well, kind of, it is. However, after finally reading through this AP New Release: Court Nixes NASA Background Checks, I get it. This section of the article is what got me to pay attention.

"The workers sued the federal government, claiming that NASA was invading their privacy by requiring the investigations, which included probes into medical records and questioning of friends about everything from their finances to their sex lives."

I'm all for screening employees for things that might have a direct impact on their character or ability to perform a job, but information about their sex lives? Are you kidding me? I can't see how that might have an impact on one's ability to perform their job (unless they are trying to qualify for adult films {couldn't resist}).

I can't really speak to the objection about medical records. There are some jobs where that type of information is necessary and I certainly don't object to the part about personal finances if that sheds a light on character and personal responsibility.

I'll try to pay better attention in the future and keep you posted on this story.