Idaho – On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 makes it illegal to discriminate against employees based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The landmark decision means that LGBTQ individuals across the nation are now protected from being fired in the workplace based on their identity.
Senator Grant Burgoyne/(D-Boise) and Senator Cherie Buckner-Webb/(D-Boise) applauded the decision and reflected on its impact for Idaho.
“LGBTQ Idahoans and their friends, families, and those who cared for them breathed a long-awaited sigh of relief today.” Sen. Buckner-Webb said. “For 14 years, Democrats have been fighting to Add the Words to the Idaho Human Rights Act that would protect Idahoans from discrimination in the workplace, housing, and public utilities. Unfortunately, the legislature refused time and time again to even have the conversation with us. Thankfully, the U.S. Supreme Court took up the appropriate action to look out for our citizens.”
“The U.S. Supreme Court recognizes that gender identity and sexual orientation does not impact your quality of work and does not make you deserving of discrimination.” Sen. Burgoyne. “Being who you are and loving who you love are not reasons to be fired from your job. This is a huge step in the right direction. In my legal practice and in the legislature, I have argued for decades that the prohibition on sex discrimination in the federal and state civil rights laws includes a bar on sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination. I am very glad to see that the U.S. Supreme Court agrees. Simple justice demands that everyone be able to be who they are without fear of discrimination, hate or violence.”