In a major decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that gay and lesbian workers are protected by federal law. The decision forbids discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Justice Neil Gorsuch, a Trump appointee, wrote the majority decision.
NBC News writes:
“The decision said Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which makes it illegal for employers to discriminate because of a person’s sex, among other factors, also covers sexual orientation. It upheld rulings from lower courts that said sexual orientation discrimination was a form of sex discrimination.“
The vote was 6-3 with Gorsuch and Chief Justice John Roberts joining the courts liberal wing.
“An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex.” Justice Neil Gorsuch
Joe Biden released a statement on the ruling saying, in part:
“Today’s Supreme Court decision is a momentous step forward for our country. Before today, in more than half of states, LGBTQ+ people could get married one day and be fired from their job the next day under state law, simply because of who they are or who they love. This landmark 6–3 ruling affirms that LGBTQ+ Americans are entitled to equal rights under the law.”
“This decision is another step in our march towards equality for all. And while we celebrate this victory today, we know that our work is not yet done. As President, I look forward to signing into law the Equality Act, protecting the civil rights of LGBTQ+ Americans, and championing equal rights for all Americans. Happy Pride!”
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi celebrated “this great legal victory for freedom and equality” saying:
“This momentous decision is a victory for the LGBTQ community, for our democracy and for our fundamental values of equality and justice for all.”
“Yet, the Trump Administration continues to advance an outrageous, hateful anti-LGBTQ agenda that risks the health and well-being of countless LGBTQ Americans and their families. And in too many places, LGBTQ individuals face continued persecution, harassment and violence, particularly trans women of color who face a disproportionately high rate of homelessness, HIV, sexual assault and murder. To finally and fully end LGBTQ discrimination, not just in the workplace, but in every place, last year, House Democrats passed the landmark Equality Act. Now, Leader McConnell must end his partisan obstruction and allow the Senate to vote on this critical legislation.”