In a historic 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis sex, also protects employees from discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Yesterday’s decisions confirm workplace anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people across the country.

Victory has prevailed. We must be grateful for the checks and balances in our government that protects our citizens. In the court case, the main plaintiffs: Gerald Bostock, a child welfare worker in Clayton County, Georgia was fired for being gay. Aimee Stephens, who passed away a month ago, was fired from the Michigan funeral home she worked at for six years after coming out as transgender. Donald Zarda, who was fired from his job as a New York skydiving instructor because of his sexuality. He died in 2014 from a skydiving accident. We are grateful for their service and must never forget.

We could not be more ecstatic for this milestone achievement as we celebrate this year’s Pride Month at this difficult time. As one of Trump’s appointed Justices, Justice Kavanaugh, voted against the ruling, this decision underscores the importance of Presidential elections. We must not forget that there is still so much work to be done as many LGBTQ people in New Jersey face harassment and vulnerability in their daily lives, outside of work. And LGBTQ people of color — particularly black transgender women — face even higher rates of discrimination and, too often, violence.

For more information regarding the NJ LGBT Democrats and to check out LGBTQ+ candidates running for office this November, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/NJLGBTDems/