Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is now illegal under federal law after a landmark Supreme Court decision for LGBTQ rights.
Before Monday’s decision, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender job discrimination was still legal in much of the nation. Less than half the states have laws explicitly prohibiting workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
A pride flag tied around his neck like a cape and a smile on his COVID-conscious face, Josh Keilholtz said it was a day for celebration.
The District resident who works in higher education said he took the day off work when he heard the Supreme Court ruled employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is now illegal under federal law.
“Literally listening to Lady Gaga and jumping on my bed,” said Keilholtz describing his morning. “As a queer man who lives in D.C., this is obviously so exciting.”
National Center for Transgender Equality executive director and transwoman Mara Keisling said the ruling will have long-lasting impacts.
“The decision actually is about employment, but the arguments are the same for education and health care and housing and everything else. So, it’s a very, very big win,” she said.
The court’s decision addresses the cases of two gay men and one transgender woman fired from their jobs and sued alleging discrimination.
The conservative Christian group Alliance Defending Freedom calls the high court’s ruling “disappointing”.
“Redefining ‘sex’ to mean ‘gender identity’ will create chaos and enormous unfairness for women and girls in athletics, women’s shelters, and many other contexts,” said John Bursch in a statement, senior counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom.
“Discrimination is still happening today, and discrimination will happen despite this court case but now employers will not have a leg to stand on. It is clearly illegal discrimination if they fire you or don’t hire you or don’t promote you because you’re transgender or because you’re gay,” said Keisling.