FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2020
CONTACT
Lindsay Kee, 615-320-7142
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — This morning, the United States Supreme Court ruled in a trio of cases that firing people for being LGBTQ violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The national ACLU was counsel in the cases of Aimee Stephens and Don Zarda and argued Ms. Stephens’ case.
ACLU-TN Executive Director Hedy Weinberg released the following statement:
"Until the court's decision this morning, any Tennessean could be fired simply for being who they are. Today's momentous ruling ensures that LGBTQ Tennesseans are protected from discrimination in the workplace.
The court's decision is a landmark victory for LGBTQ equality and is one more critical milestone in our shared fight to end, once and for all, the legalized discrimination that LGBTQ people have faced in all aspects of their lives. From our right to love whom we love, to our right to be ourselves at school, and now to our right to go to work without fear of retribution or harassment, this win follows years of LGBTQ communities – often led by Black and Brown transgender women – asserting that they have a right to belong, everywhere.
We celebrate and honor the memories and legacies of the LGBTQ people, including ACLU clients Aimee Stephens and Don Zarda, whose struggles paved the way for this resounding victory."
More information: https://www.aclu.org/cases/rg-gr-harris-funeral-homes-v-eeoc-aimee-stephens
