On the last day of Pride month, and in the midst of increasing hostility and violence towards the LGBTQIA2S+ community, the United States Supreme Court held in 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis that businesses may openly discriminate against LGBTQIA2S+ individuals in the sale of certain services. Disability Rights California denounces this decision and stands in solidarity with the LGBTQIA2S+ community in fighting discrimination in all its forms. This decision is particularly concerning given the record-breaking efforts to enact anti-LGBTQIA2S+ legislation throughout the country, and it will only serve to bolster the rise in hate and discriminatory actions being targeted at the community.

As Justice Sotomayor states in her dissenting opinion, “Today is a sad day in American constitutional law and in the lives of LGBT people... And it reminds LGBT people of a painful feeling that they know all too well: There are some public places where they can be themselves, and some where they cannot.” This is fundamentally at odds with our advocacy to provide equal access to all.

Further, the dissent asserts that the decision’s broad logic opens the door to discrimination against any protected class. It is now more important than ever that we all stand together in combatting the harmful effects of discrimination in our country, and Disability Rights California is committed to building our advocacy for disabled LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and fighting against the hate and violence spreading nationwide.

Disability Rights California (DRC) – Is the agency designated under federal law to protect and advocate for the rights of Californians with disabilities. The mission of drc is to defend, advance, and strengthen the rights and opportunities of people with disabilities. For more information visit: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org.