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LGBT+ workers' rights Historic LGBT+ ruling in the US – now let’s fight for greater equality!
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of the United States made a landmark ruling that workers in the US could not be fired because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
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Edith Rojas
The Court ruled that LGBT+ workers are protected under the 1964 Civil Rights Act under the definition of sex. This is a major development for LGBT+ workers’ rights in the US. Until this ruling, it was legal in more than half the states in the US to fire someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Rosa Pavanelli PSI General Secretary
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This decision by the US Supreme Court is a major step forward for LGBT+ rights in the US. We want to celebrate a major milestone for our US LGBT+ members, their families and our affiliates who fight for equal rights for all workers every day.
What does this mean for LGBT+ workers in the USA?
It means workers cannot be discriminated against for being LGBT+,
If an employer doesn’t agree with having an LGBT+ employee and fires them, the employer will be in breach of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
PSI’s affiliates have been on the front line of this struggle, fighting for equal rights of the LGBT+ community and our many affiliates summited amicus briefs (or supporting legal statements) to the court for this case.
Of course, the struggle for equality is not over and this ruling is already being threatened by conservative politicians. We as the global union federation for public services will continue to fight at an international level for equal rights and the non-discrimination of LGBT+ workers. We stand in solidarity with all our affiliates in the US, and around the world in making workplaces more tolerant and equal for LGBT+ workers.