The U.S. Supreme Court has just issued its opinion in the Fulton v Philadelphia case.
The Court issued a narrow ruling against the City for preventing a Catholic social services agency from participating in a foster care program due to the organization’s discrimination against same-sex couples. This was based on specific language in the City of Philadelphia’s contract that authorized individualized exemptions for a provider, and the court’s decision did not create a broad license to discriminate on the basis of religious freedom. The ruling leaves intact the broader principle that governments can require contractors, including religious agencies, to comply with nondiscrimination laws - including those that protect same-sex married couples - when providing taxpayer-funded social services.
“This case is an important reminder of the countless ways that LGBTQ Americans, people of color, women, people of minority faiths and others still face discrimination across our country,” said CenterLink CEO Denise Spivak. “That’s why CenterLink is calling on Congress to pass federal nondiscrimination protections. Because no one should have to live in fear of discrimination simply because of who they are.”
Federal nondiscrimination protections would ensure that LGBTQ people can live, work, and access public spaces free from discrimination, no matter what state they call home. They have broad support across lines of political party, faith traditions, and geography; with 83 percent of Americans saying they favor LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections.
Join us tonight at our #DecisionDay Rally at 7PM Eastern, where we’ll gather as a community to hear from amazing speakers and performers. Immediately after the rally will be a #Decision Day Town Hall which will feature an expert panel providing analysis of the opinion, how it will affect our lives going forward, and what kind of work still needs to be done.