Win for LGBT staff

Top US court delivers landmark ruling to stop discrimination

THE US Supreme Court delivered a landmark victory for the gay and transgender communities when it ruled on Monday that employers cannot discriminate against workers because of their sexual orientation.

In a blow to the administration of President Donald Trump, the court ruled by six votes to three that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlaws discrimination against employees because of a person’s sex, also covers sexual orientation and transgender status.

Gerald Bostock, one of the plaintiffs, said he was in “shock”. “But trust me when I say my heart is just full, I am so excited and happy,” he said.

“No one has to be fearful going to work, fearful that they could lose their job because of who they are, who they love or how they identify.”

Trump’s administration had effectively thrown in its lot with employers, but the President later Monday called the ruling “very powerful”.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights activists, as well as Democratic politicians and major businesses, had been demanding the court spell out that the community was protected by the law.

Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for president, hailed the decision as “a momentous step forward for our country”.

Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian religious freedom group, said the court’s decision was “truly troubling”.

Besides Mr Bostock’s case, the court considered two others, including that of transgender plaintiff Aimee Stephens.

Donna Stephens, the wife of Aimee who died last month, hailed her late partner’s struggle for justice after being sacked by a Detroit funeral parlour when she came out.

“I am grateful for this victory to honour the legacy of Aimee, and to ensure people are treated fairly regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Ms Stephens said in a statement.