And that's why we need laws protecting candidates from discrimination based on race, religion, nationality, sexuality, gender, or sex.

What I have heard:
"My gut says she's not qualified over the male candidate" (can't give examples)
"I can't explain it but [the openly trans candidate/the Muslim candidate/the Black candidate] just rubbed me the wrong way"
"I can tell this person's first language isn't English"

"We have to hire this candidate because they're a woman/black/trans"
"This person isn't qualified but they meet our 'quota'"

: In all my years hiring for multiple companies, you know what I've never heard?