written by NEAT News Team
The U.S. Supreme Court has just issued its opinion on three cases and ruled LGBTQ+ employment discrimination is illegal under federal law! National Equality Action Team (NEAT) will be hosting a Virtual National Rally, followed by our Virtual Town Hall. Join the Rally here or via our Facebook page tonight at 7pm ET where we’ll gather together as a community and hear from some amazing speakers. Also RSVP for the login to the Town Hall which will feature experts providing analysis of the opinion, how it will affect our lives, and what still needs to be done.
The historical 6-3 opinion was delivered by conservative Associate Justice Gorsuch, joined by Chief Justice Roberts, and their liberal colleagues. Essentially, the court agreed with the argument that it is impossible to separate someone’s sex from discriminating against them based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The holding is clear and unequivocal: “An employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender violates Title VII.” While this case is limited to a change in employment, it necessarily creates protected classes for the LGBTQ+ community. This should be celebrated as a huge victory with far-reaching and broad implications for lived equality.
It is important to remember that these cases are brought by real people and citizens. We mourn the recent loss of Aimee Stephens, the Michigander transgender woman who brought one of these cases all the way to the high court, and Don Zarda who also died during the course of the litigation but his representation was continued by family. Unfortunately, neither Don nor Aimee were able to see this triumphant conclusion. However, along with Gerald Bostock, a mental health counselor, these three have left a marked legacy on this country, and they should be recognized now and in history as champions for human rights.
The U.S. Supreme Court has just issued its opinion on three cases and ruled LGBTQ+ employment discrimination is illegal under federal law! National Equality Action Team (NEAT) will be hosting a Virtual National Rally, followed by our Virtual Town Hall. Join the Rally here or via our Facebook page tonight at 7pm ET where we’ll gather together as a community and hear from some amazing speakers. Also RSVP for the login to the Town Hall which will feature experts providing analysis of the opinion, how it will affect our lives, and what still needs to be done.
The historical 6-3 opinion was delivered by conservative Associate Justice Gorsuch, joined by Chief Justice Roberts, and their liberal colleagues. Essentially, the court agreed with the argument that it is impossible to separate someone’s sex from discriminating against them based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The holding is clear and unequivocal: “An employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender violates Title VII.” While this case is limited to a change in employment, it necessarily creates protected classes for the LGBTQ+ community. This should be celebrated as a huge victory with far-reaching and broad implications for lived equality.
It is important to remember that these cases are brought by real people and citizens. We mourn the recent loss of Aimee Stephens, the Michigander transgender woman who brought one of these cases all the way to the high court, and Don Zarda who also died during the course of the litigation but his representation was continued by family. Unfortunately, neither Don nor Aimee were able to see this triumphant conclusion. However, along with Gerald Bostock, a mental health counselor, these three have left a marked legacy on this country, and they should be recognized now and in history as champions for human rights.