Today's post is of the breaking news variety. For many years, June has often been a time when the U.S. Supreme Court issues major, transformational rulings. In truth, the court issues rulings throughout its yearly term between October and June.
But, over time, some of their most significant, and sometimes most controversial, cases are often released in June, when the court ends its term before the summer hiatus. Examples include Texas v. Johnson (1989, flag burning), Obergefell v. Hodges (2015, gay marriage), Lawrence v. Texas (2003, gay and lesbian rights).
Today (Monday, June 15), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark civil rights and labor law that outlaws discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin, also prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ people.
Here's a link to a news article with more details about the case: https://www.npr.org/2020/06/15/863498848/supreme-court-delivers-major-victory-to-lgbtq-employees
In some ways, it seems like federal law would prevent such discrimination, but one interpretation of the 1964 law was that Congress didn't intend to include LGBTQ people in the law's protection.
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 vote, ruled otherwise. In a decision that will be known as Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, the court combined it with two other cases involving the same discrimination issue. (If you're interested in the court opinion, here's a link: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/19pdf/17-1618_hfci.pdf).
After you've had a chance to read the news article and other news coverage of today's announcement, return here and add your comment about what you think of this decision. Also, please remember to include your first name and last name initial.
28 comments:
Michaela S.
I couldn't be happier to hear this news, especially during these troubling times. It frustrates me though that we are still having these discrimination issues. Let people be people and get out of the 1950's haha! This by all means should be included in the civil rights section because any type of discrimination in a workplace is completely wrong in my opinion. The only thing that should play a part in someone being terminated is if they weren't doing their job or they broke rules. Also, reading about Gerald Bostock just blew my mind. I guess I just had more hope in the world that we've begun moving away from LGBTQ being an issue. Someones personal life shouldn't have anything to do with their work life.
I'm so beyond excited for the LGBTQ community and how big of a change this is for them. I can only imagine the excitement they must feel being able to be themselves at their place of work and everywhere they go now. I feel so bad for anyone who has put up with such treatment that occurred before this new court decision was made, losing their jobs while facing hardships looking for other ones. This decision is one of the many decisions that are really going to change the future of everyone living in this crazy country we live in and I can't wait to see more court cases sticking up for minorities and people of other religions, sex, ethnicities and this is definitely a step in the right direction.
Brooke J
I couldn't be more thrilled to see that the LGBTQ community is standing up for themselves. They have every right to be treated and accepted because in the end they are humans and just want to be accepted in this world. It's so sad to see the way individuals treat the LGBTQ community. I am so happy to read the article and see that the votes in the court case didn't even come close. The thought of someone losing their job over being who they are is just sad. I can't even imagine the hardship they go through each and every day. This decision will change the future generations for the better and make them feel welcomed in this world.
I am so so happy a law like this has finally passed. Every single person has the right to feel (and actually be) protected. I'm so glad that everyone can now feel free to be 100% themselves, even at work, without fear of persecution. I'm sure there may still be fear of judgment from some people, but at least they don't have to worry about close-minded people firing them because of who they are! This is such good news in a time of seemingly constant bad news.
This case hits home hard and I am so unbelievably happy for this win. Having a transgender sister gives me the opportunity to know everything I can about different terms and everything I can to be an ally! Hearing stories of horrible people saying things in the bathroom and at work is so disheartening, but this is exactly what I needed to see in the world! It makes me so upset that people would ever not agree that all LGBTQ deserves these rights as human beings!! Everyone should be able to love whoever they want and identify in any way that feels comfortable! I'm so happy for my sister and everyone else that got this case put in the books!
Burnie B
I think this news is fantastic. It's obviously strange to see that while we as a society have taken so many steps forward, sometimes we tend to hang on to the past. This decision is one step closer to equality for all. It all seems so surreal that we are in the midst of rioting and protesting in order for racial equality, just like when the the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was brought about. We are still a ways away from our ideal society, but days like these are worth celebrating despite everything else going on.
Fabien M
Huge mile stone for our time. I agree with many others when i say that this shouldn't be an issue. People should prosper in America freely no matter what. It's terribly sad that things like this have to happen in order to make a bigger change occur. One More day closer to the end goal and having the equality that we need as a country.
That's great they expanded the rights to encompass and protect more to US population. It paints a better and accurate picture, though we still have a ways to go. I've always thought discriminating against LGBT people was just as absurd as discriminating against someone because they don't like you. It's irrelevant... like because you're unfamiliar/ hesitant/ scared has to disadvantage/ hurt me??? That's really messed up. At least there one glimmer of hope in these bleak times was in, I'm sure we won't forget this year lol.
This is amazing news! One would think the LGBTQ community was protected under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 without any question. It is mind blowing that there needed to be multiple incidents to invoke this type of change that, quite honestly, should have already been incorporated. Someone’s sexual orientation or sexual preference has nothing to do with their work ethic, experience, and capabilities. This decision really shows the progress our country is making towards equal rights, but it is sad that three justices were in agreeance for the dissent.
I think that this is something that was long over due and a huge victory and celebration for the LGBTQIA+ community. I hate that this is something we have to add to the law and people would deny someone of a job because of their identity, but everything can't be perfect. Historically laws and rights haven't been in the best interest of EVERYONE, so I'm glad that as a nation we're taking steps to further inclusivity.
Leslie W.
This news brought me so much happiness. In my opinion, it was a decision that should have been made awhile ago, but I am happy that it finally was made. It is heartbreaking that the LGBTQ+ plus community has gone through so many obstacles just to get basic human rights that everyone should have without a doubt. I hope our country continues to move in this direction.
The fact that this type of discrimination in the workplace was allowed up until June 15, 2020 is astonishing. I feel like this country has, of course, made strides to improve, but in areas concerning basic human and civil rights it seems to be lagging.This is definitely a step in the right direction and with the movements that have been occurring across the country and all over the globe, I hope the world continues to make these types of steps in the right direction.
Jorge Torres
There just should not be a loophole to these types of discriminatory issues. I am glad LBGQT was added to the Civil Rights Act. Now that LGBTQ discrimination is now backed up by law officially, we are moving forward to a better future. Everything takes time, of course, 2020, and still fixing issues from the 20th century. Hopefully, there would be fewer discriminatory in the near future, then by that time, we shall be all equal.
Ericka P.
I am so happy that the court finally gave the LGBTQ community their well-deserved rights. I think it’s ridiculous to even have to fight for the same rights for the LGBTQ community but I am so proud to witness this moment. The discrimination amongst the LGBTQ community has gone on for way too long. It’s time that we give them equal rights as we are all the same and they deserve to be treated equally. This year has been such a huge battle against discrimination and equality. It sucks that we have to fight for such simple basic rights but it’s great to see our progress.
I am so happy with the courts decision. This will be a landmark case in history as well as this year. It is so important to me that everyone be treated equally, fairly, and protected with rights. We are all humans in the end. Everyone deserves the right to be who they want to be and express themselves freely. A job should have no say in that or whether they are hired or not. There is much change that needs to happen in our country, but this is a definitely a win for LGBTQIA community!
Asanti W.
I think what really blows my mind is that before this decision was made, it was okay to fire someone simply based on their sexual orientation or gender expression. There's a lot of things that are going on in America that I just can't fathom someone ever believing that things were all good. I'm glad this decision was made and I hope it allows people to live more openly and freely in their truths.
Elisabeth C.
I am honestly so happy with the court's decision. I feel that was a vital change. It makes me happy for all of my friends, family and even strangers that will be affected by this ruling. A company or place of business should not be able to discriminate period. It is a very upsetting topic to discuss, but now there is a little less upset. I hope this ruling pushes for more change and I'm happy to stand behind it. There is so much more room for growth but this was definitely a milestone for the LGBTQ+ community.
Logan S.
I think that the court got it right, and while it is great that they reached the decision that they did, it is pretty disappointing that there were 3 votes against the majority. The workforce is no place for discrimination, and I don't think it should even be a question whether you should be allowed to fire someone for their sexual preference or gender identity.
Hopefully going forward it is 100% clear what the law is, and people stop losing their jobs for something that has little to no impact on the working environment.
Laura G.
I am so glad to hear the court's decision. I personally, think it is unusual and odd to try to take the basic human rights, of being able to obtain a job, of a human away. We are all just skeleton and organs when we get down to the core, I do not understand why people still seem to be questioning that. Who you are attracted to should not have any effect on any workplace factor. People keep saying this is a milestone for the LGBT+ community, but, I think we need to switch the mindset to the idea that All humans are equal.
Ava H.
I am so happy and excited about this huge win for the LGBTQ community! This decision is long overdue but thankfully the U.S. Supreme Court has finally made the right choice to end discrimination against the LGBTQ community. Everyone deserves the right to be protected at their workplace for simply being who they are. I hope our country continues to make positive steps like this to create a better America.
Monica S
I'm so happy with what marks another landmark decision on the part of the Supreme Court this past week. It's awesome that the court made a decision to specifically ban any form of exclusion against the LGBTQ community in a work setting. Though some, including the justices that dissented, have argued that the original text already 'ruled out/banned' workplace discrimination against the LGBTQ community because that text included no discrimination against "sex," putting that language of no discrimination against LGBTQ specifically is crucial; having this in there really sets the tone for employers to have absolutely no excuse of any sort of interpretation of how the law was "intended," because it's specific now to not allow for that and therefore not tolerate any such discrimination.
Meagan B.
I think this is a huge step in the right direction. I've never understood people discriminating based on race or sexual orientation. I feel like there's no point in placing restrictions on other people's lives when they don't affect you personally. Any person, no matter what, should be able to get a job wherever they feel comfortable and able. Any persons sexual preference or identity should not make another person uncomfortable because it simply can't affect them. I am thrilled about this decision. I have many family members and friends who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community and I know that this is a huge relief and weight off of their shoulders. One step in the right direction and hopefully many more to come.
Veronica C.
I'm glad about the court decision. During these hard times we needed to hear some good news. At a workplace everyone should feel safe mentally and physically. We should be able to be who we are and not keep part of ourselves hidden. People shouldn't be discriminated for their sexual preference and/or gender identity. I hope with this court decision we can all stop discriminating the LGBTQ community.
Baylor W.
The United States has always been seen as the land of the free and the home of the brave. I believe that consenting adults have the right to do as they wish. With this being said I do not believe that a business should be able to discriminate based on sexuality. With the country changing to offer more rights to the oppressed, I believe that if one wants to succeed, they also need to adapt to the change in the country.
Gabriela H
I am so excited for the LGBTQ+ community. This is a big step towards the right direction for them. They have fought for this for so long, finally they get a win. I am here for all the support. I am glad this all happened during Pride month.
Jeannifer F
I think this is such great news! The court ruling of the 1964 Civil Rights Act is definietly a victory for the LGBTG+!!!!!! An employer should not be allowed to fire somoene based on their sexual idenity. I am thrilled to be able to witness legal advancements like this one. It is kind of bizarre that we are still having to witness basic rights be passed as legally.
Kristin R.
It's crazy that we're still struggling to get basic human rights for everyone. With that being said, I am incredibly happy with the ruling and I believe the LGBTQ community was protected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We shouldn't be judged by our sexual orientation, gender, race, etc. especially in a professional environment (or ever). We're leaning in the right direction and taking big steps to get there, but there's still so much progress we can make.
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