Civil rights are legal, economic and social rights equally extended to all inhabitants of a nation. Our Supreme Court decides many civil rights issues, such as when it ordered bussing to desegregate public schools. The 1964 Civil Rights Act and other legislation prohibited discrimination based on color, gender, race, religion or national origin. However, the protections of this Act were not extended to sexual orientation. A recent survey shows that 28% of Gen Z adults (ages 19 to 26) identify as LGBTQ. That compares with 10% of all adults, 16% of millennials, 7% of Generation X, 4% of baby boomers and 4% of the Silent Generation. Advocates say America must ensure the same civil rights protection for gays and lesbians that minority races, religions groups and other classes enjoy from the Civil Rights Act. If so included, and for the first time, LGBTQ people could live openly without discrimination and enjoy equal rights, personal autonomy and freedom of expression and association – like everyone else.

The Supreme Court has recently ruled in favor of a Christian web designer in Colorado who refuses to create websites to celebrate same-sex weddings out of religious objections. The ruling – rooted in free speech grounds – will override public accommodations laws that in most states bar discrimination based on sexual orientation. Critics say this ruling will now allow companies to deny same-sex couples the full and equal enjoyment of its services, making gays and lesbians second-class citizens. They also fear the current court is setting its sights on overturning the 2015 marriage decision which grants same-sex couples the right to marry.

Pending Legislation: Reintroduction of S.5 - Equality Act
Sponsor: Sen. Jeff Merkley (OR)
Status: Senate Committee on the Judiciary
Chairperson: Sen. Dick Durban (IL)