This archive report was first published on 16 June 2020.
On a day that marked a half-century since the first gay employment discrimination bill was introduced in Congress, L.G.B.T.Q. rights activists are celebrating a significant milestone. The decision, which was made on Monday, has been hailed as a major victory for the community.
However, as Annise Parker, a former mayor of Houston and current leader of the Victory Fund, noted, there is still much work to be done. Despite the progress made over the last 10 years, Ms. Parker said that she did not see a point when any of us will ever be able to say, 'We're done.'
Ms. Parker's comments were echoed by David Mixner, a longtime gay rights leader who was a close adviser to President Bill Clinton. Mr. Mixner reflected on the long history of the L.G.B.T.Q. rights movement, which has been fighting for employment protection for over four decades.
“They had seven co-sponsors,” Mr. Mixner said, referring to the first gay employment discrimination bill introduced in Congress in 1974. “For four decades plus, we have been fighting hard to get what turns out to be the most difficult one, employment protection. It’s the most important one.”
Mr. Mixner's comments highlight the ongoing struggle for L.G.B.T.Q. rights in the United States. Despite the progress made, there are still many states where it is legal to refuse service to someone who is gay or transgender, deny them a home to rent, or decline to provide them with health care.
