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1 Month Since LGBTQ SCOTUS Ruling!
Telling Congress to Finish the Job on LGBTQ Protections
By Aaron Ridings, Director of Public Policy (He/Him/His)
July 15 marks exactly one month since the Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling affirming that existing civil rights law should protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination.
And over the last month, it’s become abundantly clear: This ruling isn’t enough to deter members of the Trump Administration or future Administrations from doubling down in attacks on LGBTQ+ students.
From policies that seek to prohibit transgender athletes from competing in high school sports to denying basic non-discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ students, the policies of this administration are putting LGBTQ+ students at risk – and underscoring the urgent need for clear, explicit protections for LGBTQ+ people written into federal law.
That’s why we need Congress to pass the Equality Act, which would establish federal nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people in housing, employment, education, credit, public spaces, federally funded programs, and jury service.
Right now, some members of the Senate may think that last month’s Supreme Court ruling was enough – and that LGBTQ+ people, including students and educators, are now afforded the protections we need.
That’s where we come in: If enough GLSEN supporters take action today, we can send a clear signal to the Senate that the push for LGBTQ+ protections didn’t end at the Supreme Court – and that all eyes are now on the Senate to ensure explicit federal protections for LGBTQ+ people.
The Equality Act has already passed in the House. Help make sure your Senators know that LGBTQ+ students across the country need them to pass this lifesaving bill in the Senate too.
Basic protections for LGBTQ+ educators and students shouldn’t be at the whim of the Trump Administration or any future administration – they should be a permanent fixture in federal law.
Let’s make sure the Senate hears our voices today.