Yesterday, the United States Supreme Court announced it would decide whether civil rights laws that protect against sex discrimination apply to LGBTQ and transgender individuals. The case names are Bostock v. Clayton, Altitude Express v. Zarda, and R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes v. EEOC.
This case has serious implications for the rights of all people affected by sex and gender-based discrimination in the workplace, on college campuses, and in larger society.
EQUAL MEANS EQUAL believes and has always maintained that “sex” as a civil rights category covers sexual orientation and gender identity. We stand with all marginalized groups in support of laws, such as Title IX and Title VII, that mandate sex equality and prohibit sex discrimination.
EQUAL MEANS EQUAL will be filing an amicus brief in support of our LGBTQ+ friends, urging the Supreme Court to rule that the meaning of the word sex includes sexual orientation and gender identity. We invite all ERA advocacy groups and women’s rights groups to support our effort, and to sign on to our brief, or submit their own.
The court’s decision will directly affect not only civil rights laws, such as Title VII and Title IX, but also the likely success of the Equal Rights Amendment.
If the Court declines to apply the word “sex” to LGBTQ+ individuals under employment discrimination laws, it could diminish support for the ERA at a time when we are only one state away from constitutional equality and the momentum in favor of sex equality has never been stronger.
We will not be divided. EQUAL MEANS EQUAL will fight to maintain a unified force in favor of sex equality for men, women, and all LGBTQ+ individuals. EQUAL MEANS EQUAL is proud to take the lead on this critically important issue.
Thank you, as always, for your kind support. Give today to help us pass the ERA.
Love and thanks,
The EME Team
