Statement From Senator Brad Hoylman On Historic Supreme Court Ruling On LGBTQ Workplace Discrimination

NEW YORK—This morning, the Supreme Court ruled that federal law prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Senator Brad Hoylman, New York’s only openly gay state Senator, issued the following statement in response:

“Discriminating against LGBTQ Americans in the workplace has always been morally wrong. Now, it’s clear that it’s also illegal.

“Until this morning, federal law said I could’ve been fired from a job simply for mentioning my husband David to a colleague. That’s exactly what happened to three plaintiffs in this case, including New Yorker Donald Zarda, who came forward to fight for equal rights after experiencing outrageous discrimination in the workplace. 

“In a historic 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court has made it clear that workplace discrimination against LGBTQ Americans is illegal. Finally, all LGBTQ Americans will have the same anti-discrimination protections in employment that New Yorkers have had under SONDA and GENDA. 

“Yet the fight for equal rights doesn’t end today. New York has some of the nation’s strongest anti-discrimination laws, but LGBTQ New Yorkers—in particular, Black trans women—continue to face discrimination in housing, employment and the criminal justice system. 

“This Pride month, we need to keep up the fight. I’ll continue working to pass my bill repealing the ban on Walking While Trans, legislation which has the support of a majority of the New York State Senate. During Pride month, as we center the voice of Black trans women, this legislation is crucial.”