Washington, D.C. — Today’s decision from the U.S. Supreme Court affirming protections for LGBTQ workers is a watershed moment for fairness and equality, particularly after the Trump administration’s recent efforts to roll back nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people in health care, education, and access to safe shelter.
In a nationally representative Center for American Progress survey, 1 in 4 LGBTQ people reported experiencing discrimination in the year prior, and that percentage was even higher among transgender people and LGBTQ people of color. While the nation is in the midst of a national health crisis and vitally important nationwide demonstrations in support of Black lives and against systemic racism, it is heartening to know that LGBTQ workers do not have to bear the added fear that they will lose their livelihoods simply because of who they are, as well as that LGBTQ workers of color are fully protected.
In response to the ruling, Winnie Stachelberg, executive vice president for External Affairs at CAP, issued the following statement.
In the midst of a national crisis and critical demonstrations in support of racial justice, it is heartening to receive good news from the Supreme Court. All people have a right to workplaces free of discrimination. Today’s decision affirms and supports the national trend we have already seen in response to the pandemic—our country coming together as a nation for the good of the nation.
This ruling will allow millions of people to work with the respect, dignity, and increased job security that they deserve. The work is far from over, though. We need Congress to catch up to the Supreme Court by passing the Equality Act to ensure that all individuals receive the full measure of equality guaranteed to them under the Constitution.
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