Portland Maine News

In a blow to gay rights, the U.S. Supreme Court on June 30 sided with an evangelical Christian graphic artist from Colorado who does not want to create wedding websites for same-sex couples, despite the state’s protective anti-discrimination law. After the high court’s ruling, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) released the following statement:

“The Supreme Court’s decision today sets a dangerous precedent and sends the message that it’s OK to discriminate. Coming just days before we celebrate Independence Day, this direct assault on personal freedom and expression is especially upsetting. Let me be clear: In 2023 in the United States of America, everyone—regardless of race, gender, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation—deserves to be protected against discrimination. That’s why I am a proud cosponsor of the landmark Equality Act, which would explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. Congress must get this bill passed.”

Earlier this month, Pingree, who is Vice-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, and fellow Equality Caucus members reintroduced bicameral legislation to ensure explicit nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQI+ people. The landmark Equality Act amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to extend non-discrimination protections to the LGBTQ+ community and would explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation in employment, education, access to credit, jury service, federal funding housing, and public accommodations.

Click here to learn more about how Pingree is fighting for equality.

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