This morning the United States Supreme court issued a 7-2 ruling in favor of the baker in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case. The ruling is a narrow one, focusing on the manner in which the Colorado Civil Rights Commission handled this particular case. The underlying question whether the First Amendment creates a license to discriminate against LGBTQ people is sure to be back at the Supreme Court in the future.
Statement from Equality Texas CEO, Chuck Smith:
Our nation decided more than 50 years ago that when a business decides to open its doors to the public, that business should be open to all. That core principle is at the heart of how we treat one another, and it’s more important than ever in light of today’s decision. While the Court’s decision does not create a new license to discriminate, it also does not address the discrimination that millions of Americans and Texans still face. Texas law does not explicitly protect LGBTQ Texans from discrimination in stores and restaurants, in the workplace, or in access to housing.
That’s why Equality Texas is urging the Texas Legislature to pass a statewide non-discrimination law that protects all Texans from discrimination. We also urge Congress to pass the Equality Act and create one set of rules for everyone. It’s time for our nation’s laws to catch up to our nation’s values and protect all Americans from discrimination. No one should be fired from their job, denied a place to live, or turned away from a business simply because of who they are.