ANTI-LGBTQ DISCRIMINATION IS SEX DISCRIMINATION
The Supreme Court Is Debating if LGBTQ People Can Be Fired for Being LGBTQ – Here’s What It Looks Like Outside

Starting at 10 AM Tuesday the Supreme Court was scheduled to begin listening to oral arguments in three landmark cases that will form the foundation of a decision determining if LGBTQ people can be fired merely for being LGBTQ. The ruling, which likely will not be handed down until June of 2020, will have far reaching implications for many Americans, whether or not they are LGBTQ.
In short, the court is expected to decide if Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bans discrimination on the basis of sex, applies to people who are, identify as, or even are perceived as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender. Two combined cases center on workplace discrimination against people who are gay. One case centers on workplace discrimination against people who are transgender.
This chart simply explains if the court will decide the law agrees with this most basic and obvious argument:
A helpful chart:#RiseUpOct8 pic.twitter.com/BN33pfEGzN
— ACLU (@ACLU) October 8, 2019
As usual, there are no photos or recordings allowed inside the Court, and the Court will not even release audio of the oral arguments today.
But we can take a look at what’s going on outside the court – and it’s major. There are no official crowd estimates but it sure looks like there are thousands of LGBTQ people, allies, and supporters who showed up.
Among them, Aimee Stephens, the transgender woman at the center of one of today’s SCOTUS cases, Harris Funeral Homes v. EEOC, who got some support this morning from Laverne Cox.
“Remember, you’re making history no matter what happens.” @Lavernecox is with us today. #RiseUpOct8 #SCOTUS pic.twitter.com/vYY72zBhrg
— ACLU of Michigan (@ACLUofMichigan) October 8, 2019
The Washington Blade’s Chris Johnson is inside the court, but posted this photo this morning:
Lots of LGBT rights supporters at SCOTUS getting their protest on before Title VII arguments. pic.twitter.com/d1rdWBHk1I
— Chris Johnson (@chrisjohnson82) October 8, 2019
This appears to be a live feed from outside the court:
LIVE: Protect LGBTQ Workers Rally at the Supreme Court https://t.co/Qnk3tcJMQe
— act.tv (@actdottv) October 8, 2019
More:
Today will go down as one of the most important days in LGBTQ legal history. Here’s the line of people waiting to get into the court to watch. #RiseUpOct8 pic.twitter.com/6rIjAWJmvD
— ACLU (@ACLU) October 8, 2019
Some people have been lining up for days to watch history unfold. #RiseUpOct8 #SCOTUS pic.twitter.com/0iXnWQdZtl
— ACLU of Michigan (@ACLUofMichigan) October 8, 2019
Clergy and faith leaders are singing in front of the Supreme Court in support of #LGBTQ and trans workers! Discrimination is not be the American Way! #RiseUpOct8 pic.twitter.com/wIj4Vr8TKK
— PFAW (@peoplefor) October 8, 2019
Streets around the Supreme Court are blocked off this morning because of a security issue. But #LGBTQ supporters are undeterred. #SCOTUS pic.twitter.com/6FoWDAqFAp
— Susan Miller (@susmiller) October 8, 2019
The street in front of #SCOTUS is blocked off, but faith leaders and advocates are down the block singing We Shall Overcome and demanding a nation that protects LGBTQ workers.
Join us. #RiseUpOct8 pic.twitter.com/3iNPkRWFHA
— The Leadership Conference (@civilrightsorg) October 8, 2019
No words. #RiseUpOct8 #SCOTUS pic.twitter.com/NNBlEY2VDL
— ACLU of Michigan (@ACLUofMichigan) October 8, 2019
Take a moment to appreciate some of the best handmade signs at SCOTUS today. #RiseUpOct8 pic.twitter.com/pqU2zHXUZL
— ACLU (@ACLU) October 8, 2019
We’re outside the Supreme Court this morning as #SCOTUS hears arguments on three crucial LGBTQ rights cases. Get the full background here 👉 https://t.co/AuGqjlm9Op #RiseUpOct8 pic.twitter.com/845PCGgEdz
— Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (@TheRAC) October 8, 2019

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