LINCOLN, NE — Today the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a web designer seeking an unusual First Amendment exemption to nondiscrimination protections.Â
While the case allows a limited First Amendment exemption from laws prohibiting businesses from discriminating against potential customers, the unusual nature of this case suggests the ruling has no application to the overwhelming majority of businesses providing goods and services.
Still, allowing any discrimination under the guise of “creative expression†is a slippery slope that can lead to more discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and other protected classes.Â
The overwhelming majority of Americans, as well as businesses, stand against the desire to discriminate. 80% of Americans support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people, and 65% reject allowing businesses to use religion as a basis for denying services.
“Over 100 Nebraska businesses are members of Nebraska Competes, our coalition dedicated to nondiscrimination protections at the local and state level,†says Abbi Swatsworth, executive director of OutNebraska. “Companies are telling us that discrimination is bad for business and we need to listen.â€
At a time when lawmakers across the country are targeting LGBTQ+ people, everyone must do their part to ensure this ruling does not open the door to further discrimination in the marketplace.Â
“LGBTQ+ people are part of the fabric of this country; we are your friends, family, coworkers, classmates and customers, and we are here to stay,†says Swatsworth.
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OutNebraska is a non-partisan organization working to empower, celebrate and grow LGBTQ+ communities in Nebraska. For more information visit outnebraska.org