Coalition: Nebraska Should Be For Everyone
A coalition of Nebraska advocates and business leaders issued a joint statement Monday following the Supreme Court’s decision expanding protections to LGBTQ workers.
The decision in Bostock v. Clayton County affirms that the sex discrimination provision in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBTQ workers from discrimination under federal law – a protection that’s not been afforded in many states, including Nebraska.
The ACLU of Nebraska, Greater Omaha Chamber, Heartland Workers Center, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska State AFL-CIO and OutNebraska issued the following joint statement:
“In this powerful national moment, it’s heartening to have good news from the Supreme Court that affirms the vital principle enshrined in our state motto of Equality Before the Law. The decision speaks to people coming together, something we’ve seen in the pandemic and the national movement in support of Black lives and against systemic racism. Today is a turning point for fairness and equality in our nation and Nebraska. Workplaces should be welcoming for everyone and all workers should feel safe to be our authentic selves. This decision is a huge stride toward making that vision a reality for the millions of LGBTQ people in our communities.
“Even as we celebrate, we recognize work remains to ensure everyone gets a chance at the Good Life. Gaps in federal and state nondiscrimination laws should be addressed to extend this same protection in areas such as education, housing and health care. Leaders must also listen to the calls for racial justice and act to address systemic racism that hurts Black Nebraskans and all Nebraskans of color, including those who are LGBTQ. Even when the law prohibits discrimination and violence, there is work to do to ensure all of Nebraska is safe and welcoming. Bottom line, Nebraska should be for everyone. It will take all of us to make sure that’s the case.”
Greater Omaha Chamber President and CEO David G. Brown also released a separate statement Monday that celebrates the court’s decision.
“This very good news moves us closer to a world where nondiscrimination means equity,” Brown said. “Just the same, we cannot, and will not, relent in our fight for social justice and equal opportunities for all. Nebraska has the opportunity to become the world’s most inclusive community. Let’s work together for continued positive change. Let’s continue our momentum. Let’s make Nebraska a place for everyone.”
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