FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2020
CONTACTS:
Christopher Vasquez, NCLR Communications Director
415.365.1337 | cvasquez@nclrights.org
NCLR Applauds Historic Supreme Court Rulings Affirming LGBTQ Employees’ Right to Work Free of Discrimination
“For the first time, this historic decision ensures that LGBTQ people have nationwide employment protection and represents a monumental step that will help to create a safer working environment for everyone”
WASHINGTON, DC – The National Center for Lesbian Rights applauds today’s rulings by the Unite States Supreme Court that federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against LGBTQ workers. In a 6-3 opinion authored by Justice Gorsuch and joined by Chief Justice Roberts, the Court ruled that Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act prohibits workplace discrimination because a person is gay or transgender. The historic rulings in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia reaffirm the opinion of a broad percentage of the American public that no one should be fired simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“For the first time, this historic decision ensures that LGBTQ people have nationwide employment protection and represents a monumental step that will help to create a safer working environment for everyone,” said NCLR Executive Director Imani Rupert-Gordon. “During a global health crisis and a growing nationwide movement to focus on supporting and protecting Black Lives – particularly Black transgender lives – against systematic racism and violence, this historic ruling is both uplifting and encouraging. However, we know that our work is far from complete, and the fight for fullLGBTQ equality continues.”
“This is a huge victory not just for LGBTQ people, but for our country, which benefits enormously when LGBTQ people are permitted to participate and contribute on equal terms,” said Shannon Minter, Legal Director of NCLR. “Today’s decision will be remembered as a watershed in the history of LGBTQ rights, even as our country continues to grapple with the brutal legacy of racism. The transgender movement owes a particular debt of gratitude to Aimee Stephens, who courageously fought this battle in the months of her life.”
While today’s ruling provides critical federal protections for LGBTQ people, most states still permit discrimination in public accommodations – including stores, restaurants, and hotels – based on real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
Additionally, the Trump Administration continues to target LGBTQ people in federally-funded programs that provide basic necessities such as healthcare, housing, and education. To achieve full equality for LGBTQ people, the National Center for Lesbian Rights urges Congress to pass the comprehensive Equality Act to ensure all LGBTQ Americans are protected from discrimination in every aspect of their lives.
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The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) is a national legal organization committed to advancing the human and civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. Since its founding, NCLR has maintained a longstanding commitment to racial and economic justice and the LGBTQ community’s most vulnerable. https://www.nclrights.org