Laverne Cox, Jonathan Van Ness & More Celebrities React to Historic LGBTQ Discrimination SCOTUS Case

On Tuesday (Oct. 8), the Supreme Court began hearing arguments in three monumental cases for LGBTQ rights in America, which will determine whether or not queer and trans people in the U.S. have federal protections against employment discrimination. 

All three cases concern individuals who were fired because they are gay (plaintiffs Gerald Bostock and Don Zarda) or transgender (plaintiff Aimee Stephens), arguing that their identities should be protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, along with race, color, religion and national origin. While the Obama administration once argued for LGBTQ employees in the Supreme Court, the Trump administration has reversed that position, throwing their support behind employers arguing that discrimination on the basis of sex only applies to biological sex.

Many celebrities voiced their support for the plaintiffs today, and called for the Supreme Court to make a statement by finding that LGBTQ Americans are protected under Title VII. See a few of the celebrity reactions to today’s historic case below:

Tomorrow the Supreme Court will take on one of the biggest cases of the year: Can you be fired in this country for being gay or transgender? I join @devindwyerabc at 3:30 to discuss. To watch go to https://t.co/LEb0CEOMQD

— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) October 7, 2019

#MondayMotivation via Jonathan Van Ness:

Our rights are once again on the line at #SCOTUS.

Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will hear 3 major LGBTQ civil rights cases that could decide how federal non-discrimination laws apply to LGBTQ people.

Learn more from @JVN. #RiseUpOct8 pic.twitter.com/AtDPRSSWw3

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) October 7, 2019

Today during #RiseUpOct8 we rise up to fight for not just the #transgender community, but the future of #LGBTQ equality.

I’m deeply humbled to join @glaad, @LogoTV + @ACLU to provide provide on-the-ground IG coverage (from #LogoTV + mine) as we take part in making history. pic.twitter.com/q7h3SoKBKM

— Peppermint (@Peppermint247) October 8, 2019

 

 

 

 

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In three historic cases being heard today, SCOTUS will decide whether a person can be fired from their job just because they are LGBTQ. It’s the first time the highest court in the US has ever considered a transgender civil rights case

A post shared by justin tranter (@tranterjustin) on Oct 8, 2019 at 7:11am PDT

 

 

 

 

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This is a watershed moment. SCOTUS is hearing three cases today that will decide whether a person can be fired from their job just because they are LGBTQ. #RiseUpOct8

A post shared by George Takei (@georgehtakei) on Oct 8, 2019 at 9:36am PDT

I’ve stood up for you with great cost. Please stand up for all LGBTQ+ people today.#RiseUpOct8 https://t.co/7ZjqX4uyX0

— Javier Muñoz (@JMunozActor) October 8, 2019

Dear Mister Supreme Court,
If you decide to disregard my friends as humans I will begin to disregard the law.

(I’ve already stolen 12 Burt’s Bees chapsticks over the last 3 years…you don’t know what I’m capable of!!! Theft-wise!!!)

#RiseUpOct8

— clare o’kane (@babysfirstgun) October 8, 2019

If U are keeping track, a man accused of multiple sexual assaults will get to have a say in whether or not I can be fired because of who I love or how I present in the world. Be kind to LGBTQ friends & family. Our existence is up for constant debate and scrutiny. #RiseUpOctober8

— Dana Goldberg (@DGComedy) October 8, 2019

Trans rights are human rights — Today’s Supreme Court hearing effects us ALL. #RiseUpOct8 https://t.co/EFwfwPNXmD via @voxdotcom

— Gigi Gorgeous Getty (@TheGigiGorgeous) October 8, 2019