Rep. Takano Statement on SCOTUS Decision Affirming Non-Discrimination Protections for LGBTQ+ People in the Workplace
Riverside, CA – Today, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released this statement following a 6-3 decision from the Supreme Court affirming that LGBTQ+ workers are protected from discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In 2012, Rep. Mark Takano became the first openly gay person of color elected to Congress.
“For the past few weeks, the LGBTQ+ community has been fearfully awaiting this decision. Today, we celebrate this historic ruling and the progress we have made toward equality under the law. The Supreme Court has officially affirmed that LGBTQ+ Americans are protected from discrimination in the workplace. This is welcome news for our community during Pride Month, but it would be remiss to ignore that this decision comes on the heels of a cruel rule finalized by the Trump Administration that will allow for discrimination against trans people seeking healthcare.
“Attacks by President Trump and his administration on LGBTQ+ rights are persistent. They have threatened the safety, health, and financial well-being of our community by rolling back non-discrimination protections in healthcare, employment, housing, adoption, education, and the list goes on. Under the guise of religious liberty, the Trump Administration has sanctioned discrimination against a community that already suffers disproportionately from high levels of poverty, lack of access to healthcare, homelessness, and violence. President Trump’s record proves that he is not an ally to the LGBTQ+ community – he is a foe who is fighting hard to dismantle any progress we have made toward equality.
“I join members of our LGBTQ+ community as we celebrate this major victory and as we remember Aimee Stephens, the plaintiff in this landmark case who passed away last month. She didn’t get to relish in the joy of her hard-fought battle, but her memory and her story will be part of our movement forever.
“In Congress, I will keep fighting back against attacks on our rights and will help build on the progress we have made to affirm our humanity and our civil rights. Last year during Pride Month, the House passed the Equality Act with bipartisan support. This legislation would establish non-discrimination protections in employment, healthcare, education, housing, and many other key areas of life. We cannot let Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell bury LGBTQ+ rights in his legislative graveyard. It’s time for all of us to channel the spirit of Pride and demand that he bring the Equality Act to the Senate floor for a vote. We must make equality the law of the land -- the lives of LGBTQ+ Americans depends on it.
“Today, we celebrate and keep fighting for justice.”
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