SARASOTA – “It is impossible to discriminate against a person for being homosexual or transgender without discriminating against that individual based on sex,” said Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, Neil Gorsuch.
On a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court says Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal for employers to discriminate based on a person’s sexual orientation or transgender status.
Executive Director of ALSO Youth, James Robinson says its great news for the LGBTQ community
“It’s a really great decision for them, especially kids coming out of high school, coming out of college, going into the workforce and knowing that they can rest easy and knowing there are not going to lose their just because of their sexuality or gender identity,” said Executive Director of ALSO Youth, James Robinson.
Robinson says it’s a security that a lot of us did not grow up with.
Member of Board of Directors at ALSO Youth, Lana Bruce says she really wasn’t expecting the decision
“And for so it to come as some good news right now, especially with all the social upheaval that’s going on and in June which is pride month, it really, really meant a lot, I was just delighted, I was surprised and delighted,” said Board Member at Also Youth, Lana Bruce.
Bruce says you can now be more authentic in your workplace.
“When I had my office in Downtown Sarasota, in my practice, I didn’t have any pictures of Elliot and me together on my desk or anywhere,” said Retired Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, Clark West.
West says in employment, it’s a game-changer.
“In the past, you could get married on a Friday and get fired on a Monday, now that is not the case so I am very thrilled,” said West.
“My husband and I were fired, we were working in the same company in North Carolina for several years and they found out about us and we were both let go, we weren’t fired, but we were let go,” said West.
“LGBT People are just people, and they have jobs, they work, they are involved in the community, they do good things for the community and I think now it’ll become more apparent,” said Prism Youth Initiative Board President and Chair of Manatee Pride Festival, Valerie Fischer.
For more information on ALSO Youth in Sarasota, you can visit their website.
