Locals react to the Supreme Court protecting LGBTQ workers from discrimination

Millions of LGBTQ workers are now protected from disrimination as of Monday. The Supreme Court ruled it illegal for an employer to fire someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The 6-3 opinion was written by Justice Neil Gorsuch and joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and the court’s four liberal justices.

Lisa Middleton, Palm Springs city council member, said, "This becomes a marker moving forward that there are things you can not do to us simply because of who we are."

Thomi Clinton, executive director of Transgender Health and Wellness Center, said, "We don’t all have to agree and we all don’t have to believe the same way. But, I think, we all need to understand that everyone should have the right to be able to work, pay taxes, live with dignity and respect, and give something back to our community."

Middleton mentioned Gerald Bostic, she said he was, "Working in Georgia, signed up to play in a gay softball leage and his employer fired him because that meant he had to be a gay man."

David Powell, executive director of Desert Business Association and LGBTQ Chamber of the Coachella Valley, said, "It’s about time that we are making sure that across our country that all businesses are treating people the same. It doesn’t matter if they are male, female, straight, gay, black, white, whatever the difference is, everyone needs to be treated the same."

This ruling is a major win in the fight for equality for the LGBTQ community. June also marks the 51st anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Clinton said, "51 years later, after Stonewall, when Marsha P. Johnson started it. All of a sudden, trans people are getting the rights that they deserve."

This victory is also very personal for Lisa Middleton. She mentioned, "It is my birthday today and this is the very best birthday present that I have ever received."

For more details on the ruling, CLICK HERE.