Friend,

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that LGBTQ people cannot be fired simply for being gay or transgender. This decision is a landmark victory for the LGBTQ community, affirming that they finally have employment protections that allow them to live as their true selves.

The 6-3 decision is a major step forward in living up to our Constitution’s promise of freedom and equality for all, and it builds upon the foundation laid more than 50 years ago by LGBTQ activists, including Black and Brown trans women who fought back against police brutality and discrimination. But it only goes so far.

There is still a fight to come to protect LGBTQ people from discrimination based on religious beliefs. Today, the Supreme Court left a loophole dangerous to LGBTQ rights, explicitly reserving the question of “how doctrines protecting religious liberty interact with Title VII” for “future cases.”

Sadly, this means employers who want to discriminate against LGBTQ employees now have an even greater incentive to cite their religious beliefs as a legal justification. I can’t imagine a more critical moment than during a public health crisis to make clear that the government should ensure that all of us – no matter who we are or who we love – can make a living in this country, regardless of our employer’s religious beliefs.

With you by our side, AU will continue leading the charge to prevent religion-based discrimination against LGBTQ people. To directly support our efforts, click here to donate today.

Thank you for being an important part of this movement to protect the rights and freedoms of all. We could not do our work without you. And we will need you more than ever, as we continue our vital work of defending religious freedom as a shield that protects, not a sword that licenses discrimination and harm to others.

With hope and determination,

Rachel K. Laser
President and CEO