Historic Decision on LGBTQ+ Equality 🏳️🌈
Just a few hours ago, in a history decision from the U.S. Supreme Court it was concluded that LGBTQ+ people are fully protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on sex, also protects people who are fired because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The ruling provides wide-reaching employment protections for LGBTQ+ people across the U.S., rather than the tattered patchwork of protections afforded in some states and that has been halted by ultra-conservatives in many others – including here in Florida.
Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara of the Campaign for Southern Equality writes, "the decision comes at a time when millions of Americans are facing unemployment or reduced employment because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As LGBTQ people venture back into the job market, we’re grateful for this measure of relief: The legal protection that employers can no longer use anti-LGBTQ bias as a weapon in the workplace."
As LGBTQ+ people continue to navigate the hardships brought on by the COVID-19 epidemic, we can take solace in knowing that moving forward we don't have to fear our a lack of non-discrimination protections with our employer being weaponized against us. As we hold space to celebrate today’s ruling, we are reminded that the spirit of Pride month calls for us all to continue to advocate loudly and diligently for the full recognition, dignity, and justice of all LGBTQ+ people in every facet of our lives.
QLatinx Executive Director, Christopher Cuevas writes, "with more decisions to come from the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the fates of DACA and abortion rights, we are standing firm in our commitment to fight like hell for our community."
