Supreme Court Protects Existing Employment Protections for LGBTQ+ Americans

For Immediate Release Contact: Shannon Craig Straw, West End Strategy Team, 202-776-7700, scstraw@westendstrategy.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2020

CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; Phone:(202) 417-0171

VICTORY: Supreme Court Protects Existing Employment Protections for LGBTQ+ Americans

WASHINGTON — Today, the Supreme Court issued decisions in three major cases protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ workers. Katy Joseph, Director of Policy & Advocacy at Interfaith Alliance, shared the following:

“Today, the court affirmed an inherent truth, holding that LGBTQ+ people are, and should be, protected from discrimination under federal law. In this challenging moment for our nation, the Supreme Court has delivered a watershed moment for equality. Every person, of all sexual orientations and gender identities, has inherent dignity and worth. 

“Too often employers overstep the boundaries of personal religious freedom – the right to believe as we choose – to impose their beliefs on others through staffing decisions and workplace culture. Turning away LGBTQ+ job applicants and employees, or terminating their employment due to their identity, isn’t religious freedom – it’s discrimination.

“Today’s victory honors the legacy of Aimee Stephens, a trailblazer who sadly did not live to celebrate this moment. In her honor, we will continue this fight. We urge the Senate to take up the bipartisan Equality Act, which passed in the House in 2019, to ensure the members of the LGBTQ+ community are afforded the same constitutional rights as their neighbors.” 

If you would like to speak with Katy Joseph further, please contact Manisha Sunil at msunil@westendstrategy.com or (202) 417-0171. 

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Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.