Press Releases
06/15/2020
AG Tong Issues Statement Regarding U.S. Supreme Court Decision Affirming Civil Rights Protections for LGBTQ Workers
Attorney General Tong Filed Brief in Bostock v. Clayton County, Arguing Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964 Prohibits Employment Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
(Hartford, CT) – Attorney General William Tong issued the following statement today regarding the U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, which affirmed civil rights protections for LGBTQ workers.
“Connecticut has some of the strongest laws in the nation protecting LGBTQ individuals in the workplace. This decision means that every LGBTQ person, regardless of where they live, will be afforded that same right to work free from harassment and discrimination,” said Attorney General Tong. “Today is a major victory, but our work is far from over. As the Trump Administration continues its hateful and unlawful efforts to strip LGBTQ individuals of their rights to seek healthcare, employment and education free from discrimination, this office will continue to fight.”
Attorney General Tong joined 19 other attorneys general in filing an amicus brief last July protecting the rights of LGBTQ employees from discrimination.
The coalition argued that Title VII’s prohibition on sex discrimination must include protection from LGBTQ discrimination.The coalition argued that employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity increases the already high rates of prejudice LGBTQ people experience at work. It also contributes to increased harassment of LGBTQ employees in the workplace, which ranges from denial of jobs and promotions to physical and sexual assault. In the brief, the attorneys general also argued that discrimination against LGBTQ employees impedes States’ ability to promote equality and protect residents’ dignity, economic security and mental health. Furthermore, the coalition argued that discrimination against LGBTQ workers has an economic impact on States because when LGBTQ residents are denied the ability to support themselves, many are forced to rely on public assistance programs. Discrimination against LGBTQ workers also decreases business productivity and increases health costs, which inhibits States’ economic growth.
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