06.15.20

Cantwell Cheers Supreme Court Decision, Calls for Comprehensive, Federal Anti-Discrimination Protections for LGBTQ+ Americans

Cantwell: “This is an important step forward... but it is also long overdue”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Speaking on the Senate floor today after the Supreme Court ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects gay and transgender workers from workplace discrimination, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) cheered the decision and called for the Senate to vote on comprehensive civil rights and anti-discrimination legislation already passed by the House of Representatives.

“This is a very important step forward,” Cantwell said. “Gay and transgender Americans should not face discrimination in the workplace or live in fear of losing their jobs simply because of who they are. And it’s an important step forward, but it is also long overdue.”

“My home state of Washington has been a leader on this issue for decades,” Cantwell continued. “But just think: until today – June 15, 2020 – we had no nationwide rules against firing an employee or harassing someone at work for being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or trans. That is just wrong. And LGBTQ+ Americans still face discrimination in so many areas of life – public accommodations, housing, education, and some federally-funded programs.”

In her remarks, Cantwell highlighted anti-discrimination legislation introduced by Democrats in both chambers of Congress – the Equality Act – that has already passed the House of Representatives.

“We have proposed… comprehensive civil rights and anti-discrimination legislation to help protect this community. The House has passed this legislation, and I believe it’s time that the Senate pass this legislation,” Cantwell continued. “Leader McConnell and the Republicans should take the Equality Act out of the legislative graveyard and get it onto the Senate floor.”

Video from Senator Cantwell’s remarks is available HERE and audio is available HERE. 

###