Positive attitudes toward gay and lesbian Americans, and codification of protections and rights, have come at lightning speed (for social change).
It was only 17 years ago that the Supreme Court ruled that LGBT Americans could not be jailed for who they are (Lawrence v. Texas). When Vermont governor Howard Dean signed a civil unions bill in 2000, he was pilloried as a heretic. Marriage equality nationwide and federal benefits came only five years ago (Obergefell v. Hodges).
Even while dissenting from today's landmark employment ruling, Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote:
“Notwithstanding my concern about the Court’s transgression of the Constitution’s separation of powers, it is appropriate to acknowledge the important victory achieved today by gay and lesbian Americans.
“Millions of gay and lesbian Americans have worked hard for many decades to achieve equal treatment in fact and in law. They have exhibited extraordinary vision, tenacity, and grit — battling often steep odds in the legislative and judicial arenas, not to mention in their daily lives.
“They have advanced powerful policy arguments and can take pride in today’s result. Under the Constitution’s separation of powers, however, I believe that it was Congress’s role, not this Court’s, to amend Title VII.”
Congress must still pass ENDA. And we must remain vigilant for threats to all of our hard-won rights. Religious fundamentalists and the likes of Trump (who can still appoint rabidly anti-gay judges) abound.
I only wish my African American brothers and sisters and all POC could see hearts and minds change as dramatically.
As we understand George Floyd's death, there are signs of hope.