PACE Applauds SCOTUS for LGBT Workplace Protections Ruling

Shreveport, LA – June 15, 2020

Today’s U.S. Supreme Court 6-3 ruling that the 1964 Civil Rights Act protects LGBT people from workplace discrimination is not only wonderful news for LGBT people and their allies, but also a victory for all who rejoice each time America finally lives up to the ideals that our nation has long espoused. This June 2020 ruling is perhaps even more important than the June 2015 marriage equality ruling. While marriage equality allowed gay people to participate in one of the most important institutions that supports the fabric of society, this ruling allows all LGBT people to engage in work that gives life meaning and dignity in addition to providing financial support for them and their families. While marriage equality allowed gay people to marry the person they love on Saturday, they could still be fired for doing that on Monday.

PACE (People Acting for Change and Equality) has been working since its formation in 2005 to secure nondiscrimination protections for LGBT people:

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Successfully worked with Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover and the Shreveport City Council resulting in a 2009 Executive Order and matching City Council Resolution protecting City of Shreveport LGBT workers from workplace discrimination;
Successfully worked with the Shreveport City Council to pass the “Shreveport Fairness Ordinance” in 2013 that protects LGBT people from discrimination in the public and private sectors in employment, housing, and public accommodations;
Successfully worked with our partner organizations in the state to stop anti-LGBT bills introduced at the Louisiana state legislature that would explicitly discriminate against LGBT people.

It’s time for the U.S. Congress to catch up with Shreveport, and pass comprehensive nondiscrimination legislation for LGBT people. While the Supreme Court ruling today protects LGBT people from workplace discrimination, they still face discrimination in other areas of life in the public square. That is why it is important for the U.S. Senate to join the House in passing the Equality Act which gives LGBT people the widespread protections in employment, housing, and public accommodations supported by 70% of Americans.

For information about PACE, “People Acting for Change and Equality,” Northwest Louisiana’s leading advocacy organization for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community, go to www.pacelouisiana.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pacelouisiana.