Together with our LGBTQ+ colleagues, families and allies, we celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to affirm the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) citizens in employment under the law. With its ruling, the Court has affirmed that no one should be denied or lose employment simply because of who they are or who they love. The Court has provided justice not only for plaintiffs Gerald Bostock, Aimee Stephens and Donald Zarda, and but it also has reaffirmed our country’s promise of liberty and equal protection under the law enshrined in the Civil Rights Act for the 16 million LGBT citizens across this great nation including almost 30,000 LGBT citizens right here in Montgomery County. In the process, the Court is validating what most Fortune 500 employers and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce already know: that sexual orientation and gender identity should not be used to discriminate against employees, and that THE most important issue is whether a person has the ability to perform their job. A diverse workforce – including LGBT people -- makes our country stronger and more competitive.
Stable income is an important social determinant of health for people, particularly in our country because health insurance and health care are often tied to employment. Although the courageous plaintiffs Aimee Stephens and Donald Zarda are no longer with us to enjoy the freedom this decision affords, we are confident they would rejoice along with co-plaintiff Gerald Bostock and our LGBT family, friends and colleagues across the country. This decision helps ensure that LGBT people can thrive and realize their greatest potential in the United States of America. The Supreme Court voted 6-3 to affirm equality in the workplace.