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Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24), Member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling to allow businesses to reject services to same-sex couples:

“Today is truly a sad day in America and is a new low for even for this Supreme Court. With this decision, the Supreme Court shamefully aligns itself on the wrong side of history by embracing hateful intolerance and discrimination under the guise of religious freedom. Not only is this decision incredible misguided and wrong, but it spits in the face of the progress made in the fight for LGBTQI+ rights and undermines the principles of equality and inclusivity. Sadly, this Supreme Court continues to be completely out of step with the American public, does not reflect the values of our country, and drags us back into the dark days where LGBTQI+ members were forced to a life of secrecy and oppression.

“As a staunch advocate for the rights of all Americans, I firmly believe that discrimination in any form is reprehensible and contrary to the principles of our nation. This horrific ruling condones discrimination and perpetuates the harmful notion that individuals can hide behind their religious beliefs to justify denying services to others based on whom they love. Allowing individuals to cite religious beliefs as a justification for discrimination sends a dangerous message that undermines the hard-won progress, we have made towards achieving equality for all Americans. It chips away at our bedrock principles of fairness and respect that our society should uphold. The first amendment does not give people the right to deny or discriminate people based on who they are — just like we don’t turn away people because of the color of their skin, we shouldn’t deny people based on their sexual orientation. 

“This ruling is particularly cruel and disheartening as it comes at the conclusion of Pride Month, a time when we celebrate the tremendous progress we have made in advancing LGBTQI+ rights and fostering inclusivity in the ongoing fight for acceptance and equality. My heart is with every member of the LGBTQI+ community today that may feel that their livelihoods and identity is not respected under the laws of our country.

“As we move forward, we must redouble our efforts to protect the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals and ensure that they are not subjected to unjust discrimination under the guise of religious freedom. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in Congress and continue to champion legislative efforts that strengthen the protections for the LGBTQI+ community and guarantees their equal treatment under the law.”